A realistic look

I am a pessimist by nature. To me, the glass or jar or cup or bottle is always half empty. I don't believe half of what I read and hear. I can't help it. It's always been that way. 

Some consider that a dismal way to lead one's life. Those who almost always believe are the idealists of life. There is nothing wrong with that. I consider myself more of a realist. Initial doubt has enabled me to be more right than wrong during my career.

That said, I'll be blunt here regarding the Deshaun Watson saga, which has hovered over the Browns for way too long and is headed for what I believe is a highly unsatisfactory conclusion, After what has transpired this week, I don't think Watson takes a snap this season in a game that counts.

The National Football League is dead set on delivering one of the harshest penalties ever to Watson, declaring once and for all that what he did to to all those massage therapists a couple of years ago will not be tolerated and rewarded with just a slap on the wrist.

They want what amounts to a death sentence (NFL style) of no less than an indefinite suspension of at least a year, a significant fine, therapy to help his situation and a reentry generated only by Commissioner Roger Goodell. The league apparently was dumbfounded disciplinary officer Sue L.Robinson considered six games, therapy and no fine punishment enough. 

In their estimation, it did not fit the crime. The Shield was sullied, the league embarrassed by such a light sentence. Goodell wasted little time preparing for the next round by swiftly putting together an appeal and nominating Peter Harvey, a noted New Jersey attorney and former prosecutor, to handle the adjudication.

It must be noted here Harvey is one of the architects of the league's Personal Conduct Policy, which Watson has been found guilty of violating. He is considered an expert in domestic violence and sexual assault cases, both of which are central to this case.

The NFL Players Association filed its own brief Friday. Harvey, who has handled previous arbitrations independently for the NFL, will look at both sides' arguments and render his decision ostensibly next week. Per the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, it will be binding.

If it winds up where I believe it will, the NFLPA most likely will file suit in an effort to move the next round to the courts, obtaining a temporary restraining order to keep Watson eligible to play immediately. If that is the case, the league most likely will countersue.

In matters as sensitive and precedent-setting as this, the NFL generally gets what it wants. This is a league where the owners are in firm control. And right now, a large percentage of those owners reportedly are not thrilled with the entire Watson situation, especially his five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract.

In cases like this, especially those handled by a third party, neutrality is expected. Harvey's relationship with the league, however, seems on the surface to stack the deck against Watson, the NFLPA and the Browns by extension.

The fact Watson has not been remorseful -- he has repeatedly claimed his innocence --  might be a matter brought up by the NFL in its appeal. 

For the record, the Cleveland quarterback has publicly admitted his regrets the impact this whole matter has been on those around him, including the Cleveland community, his family, the Browns organization, his teammates and the fans. "It's tough to have to deal with," he said.

Nowhere in there is a syllable of remorse for what Robinson in her report labeled "egregious" and "predatory" behavior that landed him in this situation.

My pessimistic self says Goodell and the Shield will get their way and the fans will have to wait until next season to see their franchise quarterback in meaningful games. As always in matters such is this, hope I'm wrong.