Feathery punishment

Deshaun Watson probably didn't feel it a bit. That is the tiny punitive slap on the pinky (can't even call it the wrist) handed down Monday by National Football League disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson.

The former U.S. District Court judge ruled the Browns quarterback, despite what she called "an egregious pattern of behavior," must serve a six-game suspension with no fine attached for violating the league's personal conduct policy. From a biblical standpoint, it appeared she made her decision with Solomonic reasoning. (More on that later.)

It was a light tap welcomed by those in Browns Nation who probably feared harsher punishment and who have no problem with Watson in Seal Brown and Orange. He has settled all but one of the 24 civil suits filed against him by massage therapists for sexual harassment.

Those disagreeing with the ruling, thinking the penalty was not nearly tough enough, probably believe Robinson's ruling was as egregious as Watson's behavior. 

The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center reacted sharply. "The six-game suspension given dangerously mirrors the flaws in our criminal justice systems and sends a a grave message to our communities.." the agency said in a statement initially reported by ESPN.

The National Football League Players Association, the Browns and Watson sought complete exoneration from the charges. The NFL reportedly lobbied for at least a one-year suspension with a reinstatement approved by only Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Neither got their wish. The NFLPA, Watson and the Browns are no doubt thrilled with the small number even though Watson maintains he did nothing wrong. The league, retaining the right to appeal the ruling. no doubt will extend the drama for the next three days, 

This one isn't over yet.

Goodell, the final authority in this drama, has several options to help form his ultimate judgment. He can overturn the ruling by extending the suspension to an undetermined length in an effort to make this a landmark case, assuring it is never repeated.

He can meet both parties in the middle and tack on, say, two more games but add a substantial fine. Or he can decide to go along with Robinson's ruling, which will no doubt anger current and former players who have received similar -- and sometimes longer -- suspensions for gambling and drug-related offenses.

It sure looks as though Robinson arrived at her decision, from a Biblical aspect, by splitting the baby. It stems from the biblical story of wise King Solomon, adjudicating a fight between two women claiming to be a baby's mother. He suggested dividing the child, giving each woman half.

When the real birth mother objected and said give the child to the other woman, Solomon at that point awarded the baby to her for willing to give it up to spare its life. Robinson appears to have split the difference between the warring sides in this case.

Considering everything involved in the case, the sentence was too light. Way too light. Goodell needs to correct this to make damn certain nothing like this ever happens again. Make the punishment precedent- setting. It will take a long time for the NFL -- and the Browns by extension -- to remove the stain and stench from his.

Robinson cited in her 16-page decision that Watson was a first-rime offender. She also pointed out how well he was received in the Houston community while playing for the Texans. Apparently, she believes that excuses his predatory ways. 

Watson -- and the Browns -- are most fortunate. I never liked or used the hackneyed term "dodged a bullet" before. But if anything qualifies for it to be used here, this one definitely does.

So get used to Jacoby Brissett for those six (maybe more) games.  Good thing four of them will be in front of the home fans.