🏈 Will Goodell Be Tougher On Watson?

The NFL commissioner still has the final say on Deshaun Watson’s punishment. [View in browser]( [FOX SPORTS INSIDER WITH MARTIN ROGERS] In today’s FOX Sports Insider with Martin Rogers: Monday’s six-game suspension of Deshaun Watson does not mark the end of the disciplinary saga ... we remember the legendary Bill Russell, who passed away on Sunday ... and more! Monday's decision on Deshaun Watson – [the Cleveland Browns quarterback received a six-game suspension]( for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy – left a lot to unpack. But as football tries to make sense of what comes next after the ruling by disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson relating to numerous allegations of sexual misconduct involving two dozen women, nothing is more striking than this: Commissioner Roger Goodell faces arguably the trickiest, most nuanced and controversial decision of his tenure. Goodell is in an unenviable spot that will earn him criticism whatever he does. Such is the nature of such things, and that’s why he makes the big bucks, but it is a rocky road nonetheless. The NFL didn’t get what it wanted from Robinson’s ruling and punishment, which did not impose a financial sanction. She described Watson’s actions as "egregious," termed his behavior as "non-violent sexual conduct," mandated him not to receive massages from anyone except team-approved personnel and imposed other behavioral expectations. During a three-day hearing before Robinson in June, the league pushed for a full-season suspension that would have seen Watson sit out more than 2.5 years by its conclusion. In recent days, according to multiple reports, further settlement discussions were not resolved because the NFL Players Association would not agree to a ban longer than six games, and the league was steadfast in wanting a minimum of a 12-game ban, along with a hefty fine. If the NFL appeals, and it has three days to do so, the final decision rests with Goodell. The league's disciplinary process was set up during the most recent collective bargaining discussions. The NFLPA wanted to avoid situations where penalties could be meted out to players in cases of incomplete or inconclusive evidence. For example, had Robinson found no wrongdoing on the part of Watson, who has settled 23 of the 24 civil cases against him, Goodell wouldn't be able to implement any suspension. But now, following Robinson’s judgment, Goodell must weigh his own options and analyze whether to wield his power. To see the rest of the story, [click here.]( [STORY IMAGE 1] [IN OTHER WORDS] - Although Bill Russell made a name for himself with the Celtics, his impact extended well beyond the hardwood. [Martin Rogers reflects on the legend’s impact](. - James Outman’s Dodgers debut was a dream. He hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat with a swing he has completely remade since turning pro, [Rowan Kavner writes](. - A week later, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch’s postrace disqualifications at Pocono [are still the talks of the NASCAR Cup Series,]( Bob Pockrass writes. For the latest news and updates, [click here](. [VIEWER'S GUIDE] Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros (ESPN, 8:10 p.m. ET) Jose Altuve and the Astros begin a three-game series against the Red Sox. Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants (MLBN, 9:45 p.m. ET) The Giants play host to their biggest rivals as Freddie Freeman and the Dodgers come to town. For all of today's games and scores, [click here](. [BET OF THE DAY] [BET OF THE DAY] Odds provided by [FOX Bet]( Justin Herbert to win NFL MVP: +1000 FOX Sports Betting Analyst Jason McIntyre: The Justin Herbert hype has gotten a little out of control, so you wonder if the 24-year-old can handle all the attention. But he was one of the six best quarterbacks in the NFL last season, using any advanced metric, throwing for 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns. And, rookie Zion Johnson’s addition to the OL bolsters the unit’s weakest group, so the Chargers' offense should be lethal again. Justin could breeze through last season’s accomplishments as easily as Sunday morning. However, this bet is not without risk. This is still the toughest division in football. There is a scenario where the Chargers could finish 10-7 in the loaded AFC and still miss the playoffs, and usually the MVP is on a team with a top seed in the postseason. For the latest betting odds, [click here](. 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