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A decision on a potential Deshaun Watson suspension is drawing nearer, but the timeline for announcing one is still murky.
Watson began his hearing with the NFL and NFLPA's jointly appointed disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson on Tuesday. The hearing is continuing on Wednesday and could extend beyond that, according to multiple reports.
That said, even if the hearing concludes by the end of the week, it doesn't mean that a decision on Watson's status will be made quickly.
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As ESPN's Sarah Barshop reports, there is no timetable for Robinson's decision to be made. And even after she hands down a ruling, Watson will still be able to appeal it.
There is no set timeline for Robinson's decision once the hearing ends. Once she rules, Watson will have the option to appeal. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could either rule on that appeal or call on an independent ruler.
What does this mean? Essentially, the end date of the hearing becomes less important; what matters is the date that Robinson announces any potential discipline. It could take several weeks to make her decision, and even once it's rendered, it won't necessarily be final given Watson's appeal options.
MORE: What Watson's settlements with accusers means for NFL's decision
As such, it appears that there are three ways that Watson's hearing could go. The most obvious, and likely, outcome is that Robinson will rule that Watson should be suspended for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Robinson will determine the length of that suspension. And though NFL is rumored to be pursuing an indefinite suspension of at least a year, she doesn't have to follow that recommendation.
Once Robinson decides on the suspension, Watson will have a chance to appeal it. Given that he has maintained his innocence throughout this investigation and these legal proceedings, it would be a surprise if he doesn't. That could drag the process out a bit longer than expected, which is something that the NFL would like to avoid.
More: I'm also told the NFL, despite insisting on indefinite suspension, wants to avoid the appeals process - source said "a terrible situation for everyone involved" - so league is more likely to abide by Sue Robinson's ruling IF she came back with 6-8 games.— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi)
The other two possibilities for Watson's hearing are less likely. Robinson could surprise everyone and rule that Watson didn't violate the league's personal conduct policy, or that he deserves punishment commensurate with the lower-end consequences given to owners like Robert Kraft and Jerry Jones in recent years. That would allow Watson to play the entire season.
MORE: Why NFL is seeking a one-year ban for Deshaun Watson
The final option is, at this point, the most unlikely at all. The NFL and NFLPA could reach a settlement in Watson's case, which would end the need for a disciplinary hearing. Neither side seems interested in that at this point.
The Watson saga is finally coming to a head at the disciplinary hearing, and there should soon be a decision about his status for 2022. Still, don't expect it to arrive in the immediate aftermath of the hearing. Robinson has time to make her decision, and the appeal process could keep Watson's status in limbo for weeks to come.
