Successful Resolution of Cleveland Browns Quarterback DeShaun Watson Arbitration Contesting NFL’s Unprecedented Disciplinary Recommendation

Pursuant to the NFL–NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, Winston  successfully represented NFLPA in a widely followed arbitration challenging the unprecedented discipline recommended by the NFL for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson—an indefinite suspension of no less than a full NFL season of 17 games. After a week-long evidentiary hearing, Judge Sue Robinson rejected the NFL’s proposed discipline and imposed a six-game suspension, which, as Winston argued, was the result required to achieve fair and consistent treatment. The NFL appealed. Ultimately, a settlement was reached for an 11-game suspension— far less than the NFL’s proposed discipline.