NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced on Thursday that he has designated former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey to hear the league’s appeal of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s suspension.
Watson was issued a six-game suspension on Monday by independent disciplinary officer Judge Sue L. Robinson for violating the league’s personal conduct policy over 30 massage therapists accusing him of sexual misconduct during appointments.
The league, as allowed by the collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association, is appealing the ruling and is expected to seek a harsher punishment, one that includes a longer suspension, treatment and a fine.