BEREA, Ohio — The Browns finally received news on Monday morning that their starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, will be suspended six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy pending a possible appeal by the league.
The ruling was made by retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson, jointly appointed by the league and the NFLPA to serve as the disciplinary officer and comes almost a month after she convened hearings.
The theme of the day here was respecting the process.
“We respect Judge Robinson’s decision,” owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement on Monday afternoon, “and at the same time, empathize and understand that there have been many individuals triggered throughout this process.”
“I’m going to respect this process and as you saw today, the process will continue with today’s ruling,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “This is a jointly agreed upon process from the NFLPA and the NFL. This was collectively bargained, so I’m going to respect Judge Robinson and her opinion right now until more information becomes available to me.”
“We appreciate Judge Robinson’s diligence and professionalism throughout this process,” the NFL said in a statement while not ruling out the possibility of appeal.
The process could continue, with the NFL holding the right to appeal, which would be heard by commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee. They have until 9 am Thursday to decideaccording to ESPN’s Jake Trotter.
Robinson’s decision loomed over the day when no players were made available to the media.
You can read the full decision below or you can read the decision at this link.
Here’s what else happened at Browns practice:
Fans eager to see Watson
Watson’s suspension didn’t damper enthusiasm on the second day practice was open to fans. They watched Watson take almost all of the first-team reps and he was swarmed for autographs following practice.
“More than anything, (Watson)’s our starter, and we need to get him ready to play games,” Stefanski said following practice. “Jacoby’s our backup, we need to get him ready to play games. Obviously Week 1 with the suspension we expect Jacoby to be in there. So there’s a point in our practice plan where we’ll shift gears if you will. But for right now, we feel comfortable with the plan that we have.”
The Browns are still more than a month away from their trip to Carolina where they could potentially face their former starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield, who said today, “Honestly, it’s none of my business. I don’t play against the other quarterback. I know it’s the most cliché thing to say, but that’s just the truth.”
Cooper dinged
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper twists his ankle after a pass play during day 5 of training camp in Berea.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Wide receiver Amari Cooper appeared to injure his ankle during a scramble drill late in practice in the endzone. With Watson rolling out of the pocket, Cooper turned to go the other way. He was on the ground being treated by the training staff.
Stefanski had no real update on his top receiver.
“I haven’t gotten the full report. I’ll update you guys tomorrow,” he said.
Cleveland Browns trainers look at the ankle of Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper during day 5 of training camp in Berea.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Cooper was walking around behind the team with his helmet off following the play.
It has been a difficult camp for receivers so far. Rookie David Bell has yet to practice with a foot injury and Anthony Schwartz left Thursday’s practice with a knee injury while undrafted rookie Isaiah Weston was carted off the field on Saturday and waived with an injury designation on Monday. He is feared to have torn his ACL.
The Browns added wide receiver Derrick Dillon, who most recently played for the Tampa Bay Bandits of the USFL.
Conklin’s back
Right tackle Jack Conklin returned from the PUP list on Monday, eight months after suffering a ruptured patella tendon.
“I thought it was awesome to see No.78 walking out here in his pads,” Stefanski said. “I told you guys — he’s worked so hard. I’m really proud of how hard he’s worked. I was here in late June and I looked out and he’s on the field with a bunch of offensive linemen putting them through drills. That just doesn’t happen very often in late June in given cities. It’s still a process. He’s not all the way back. We have time to work him back up to speed. I’m really excited to see 78 out there.”
More Injury updates
Schwartz was back out in practice on Monday working on the side. He joined David Bell (foot), linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (groin) and cornerback Denzel Ward (foot) in the bike brigade.
Defensive end Stephen Weatherly (knee), wide receiver Javon Wims (illness) and defensive tackle Sheldon Day (back) also did not practice and were not spotted during the 90-minute session.
The pads go on tomorrow
The Browns are expected to hold their first practice in full pads on Tuesday. Practice begins at 2 pm
Storylines
* The day was all about Watson. No players were made available to the media.
They said it
* Ravens coach John Harbaugh on the Watson decision: “I do have a lot of opinions on it. I’m not at liberty to share them at this time. That’s for the league to decide.”
He added: “I respect what Steve Bisciotti and Dick Cass created here almost 10 years ago. Basically, what we decided [was] that we’re kind of zero tolerance. We’ve stayed away from that particular situation. I’m glad we have that policy.”
* Stefanski on his message to female fans: “I feel incredible empathy for anyone who’s been impacted by this decision. It’s something that I don’t take lightly, I’ve spoken to women in our organization, I’ve spoken to women in the community, and that’s something I’ll continue to do. And our fans, whether you’re a man or a woman, our fans are really important to us, so I want to make sure they understand that and that they’re never going to be dismissed in any way.”
They did it
Rookie kicker Cade York kicked again on Monday for fans. He made a 46-yard field goal running on during a fire drill. He then transitioned into regular kicking, making all five of his attempts, starting from 33 yards, moving back to 37, 40, 42 and ending with a no-doubt 51-yard kick.
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Read Sue L. Robinson’s 16-page ruling here