With words of contrition and headlines that are recycling old olive branches, it feels like Deshaun Watson recognizes the window for a suspension settlement could still be open with the NFL.
That’s what I’m taking away from this week, which featured two prominent developments in the disciplinary case chasing the Cleveland Browns quarterback.
First was a news story advancing the idea of Watson being open to an eight-game suspension and $5 million fine. This is actually an old settlement structure discussed by Watson’s camp and the NFL Players Association in late July, prior to the six-game suspension issued by independent arbitrator Sue L.