The NFL is not accepting the six-game suspension for Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. The league wants a long ban. 

The decision on Watson, who has been accused by more than two dozen female massage therapists of sexual misconduct, was handed down by retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson on Monday. 

“Under the 2020 NFL-NFLPA CBA, the factual findings of the Disciplinary Officer are binding and may not be appealed,” an NFL spokesperson said. “Judge Robinson found that Mr. Watson violated the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy on multiple occasions and suspended him for six games.” 

The NFL continued, however, that, “The CBA affords the NFL or NFLPA the right to appeal the discipline imposed by the Disciplinary Officer.” 

Any appeal may be heard by commissioner Roger Goodell or a designee of his choosing. The NFL told the Players Association that it will indeed exercise its right to appeal the punishment and Goodell will choose the designee at a later date. 

In the past, Goodell has served as judge and jury to impose penalties on players. By appealing, the NFL is giving that power back to Goodell, who can chose another person to levy any punishment. 

Per multiple reports Wednesday, the NFL is believed to be pushing for an indefinite suspension that would be at least one year. Per ESPN, the league is also seeking a monetary fine, notable due to the structure of Watson’s five-year, fully-guaranteed $230 million contract with the Browns. Under Robinson’s ruling, Watson would only lose about $345,000. 

The Players Association has until the end of business Friday to respond in writing. The union could challenge the appeal ruling in federal court, setting the stage for a prolonged fight. 

Though Watson has not been charged with a crime related to the allegations, he settled civil lawsuits with 23 of his 24 accusers, and the Houston Texans, for which he played at the time of the alleged incidents, settled lawsuits with 30 women. 

It is unknown how long the appeals process will take. 

In her 16-page report, Robinson described Watson’s behavior as “more egregious than any before reviewed by the NFL.” 

Robinson concluded that Watson violated three provisions of the personal conduct policy: sexual assault; conduct posing a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person; and conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL. 

She declined to suspend Watson for a full year based on precedents and the league’s current policy. But Robinson concluded a longer suspension could be justified if it was already outlined in the personal conduct policy. 

Watson has continued to practice with the Browns while awaiting resolution to his case, which has raised questions about the league’s handling of off-field player behavior, inconsistencies in its personal conduct policy and its overall support of women. 

The Browns have been in a state of limbo as well, not knowing when or if Watson will be able to play this season. 

— With AP