Are the Cleveland Browns trying to compel the NFL act on the Deshaun Watson decision sooner rather than later? Reportedly, at this point in time, the team intends to play its soon-to-be-suspended starting quarterback in the first preseason game.
Historical precedent suggests that players who have been handed season-long or indefinite suspensions have had those suspensions commence immediately, in contrast to clearly-defined shorter-length suspensions, such as Watson’s current six-game ban. Such players are permitted engage in all team activities up until the start of the regular season.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has already gone on public record in stating that the league is indeed continuing to seek a season-long suspension for Watson, arguing that the evidence demands such a course of action.