DESHAUN WATSON SUSPENDED SIX GAMES - BAKER MAYFIELD SAYS......

So.... The six game suspension as articulated by the judge against Deshaun Watson has been appealed by the NFL. This appeal process throws the responsibility back to the league as written in the CBA between the NFL and the NFLPA. The commissioner (Goodell..) can either handle it himself or hand it over once again to a 3rd party. As part of the process, the NFLPA has two days to respond to the appeal notification, which time-frame ends today. Word on the street indicates that the Player's Association (NFLPA..) has submitted it's formal response this afternoon. This action will cause the appeal process to move forward without delay.

The appeal process requires the NFL to decide how to handle the appeal. Goodell has apparently done so. To keep all indications open and "above-board", he has turned the appeal process over to a 3rd party once again. So, once again, like with Judge Sue L. Robinson, Commissioner Goodell will not be personally involved. Former New Jersey Attorney General, Peter C. Harvey, will hear the appeal and rule on it.

ESPN:  N.J. Attorney General Peter C. Harvey To Hear Watson Appeal

As I mentioned previously, The NFLPA had until today to respond to the appeal process. They have apparently done so this afternoon.

PRO FOOTBALL TALK:  NFLPA Files Reply Brief To Watson Suspension Appeal

When THIS process is over, the idea of a lawsuit in Federal court still remains a possibility. The NFLPA is known to utilize the threat of a Federal lawsuit to further their cause. If filed, the lawsuit may have as a consequence the temporary 'hold' of any punishment against Watson. This COULD allow Watson to play starting in game #1.

And the worm turns....