It is Friday, July 1, 2022, and the opening of the Cleveland Browns‘ training camp is later this month.
The future of the team’s QB1 still remains unknown.
The conclusion of Deshaun Watson‘s hearing on Thursday is the top story on the Friday edition of Browns Nation news and notes.
1. Hearing Ends, Waiting Begins
After three days, Watson’s disciplinary hearing wrapped up on Thursday afternoon.
The disciplinary hearing for #Browns QB Deshaun Watson has ended for the day, which means it has wrapped up after three days. The wait for Judge Sue Robinson’s ruling begins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 30, 2022
Those looking for a quick announcement and resolution are most likely not going to find it.
The Watson watch enters a new phase of waiting as the decision will come from retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson.
Robinson has asked for both sides to file post-trial briefs due the week of July 11 so short of a completely unforeseen and unexpected miracle, a quick decision and resolution are not forthcoming.
Updated: #Browns QB Deshaun Watson's 3-day disciplinary hearing concluded Thursday, but Sue L. Robinson requested briefs due week of July 11. Resolution could take weeks https://t.co/WRqq6vkGqm
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) July 1, 2022
A decision should be known by the time training camp opens on July 27.
As reported by ProFootballTalk, that decision is expected to come via a written ruling, released to the media, potentially 20 pages or longer.
Deshaun Watson ruling may still be weeks away. Expect a written ruling, maybe 20 pages or longer, that is released to the media. Basically, the exact opposite of what the league did with the Commanders investigation. https://t.co/MzbZXwdvDB
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 1, 2022
The decision could be appealed so how and when this ends remains to be seen.
Though it is certain that the Browns coaching staff is planning for all contingencies, this situation has put a hamper on a comprehensive offensive gameplan leading into training camp.
It will be months down the line before we know how all of this offseason uncertainty impacted the Browns when actual football is played.
2. Flashback Friday: The Belichick Years
Today’s throwback, courtesy of Vintage Browns, shows us former Browns head coach Bill Belichick sporting an orange polo shirt (prior to his years of sweatshirts with cutoff sleeves) and having a serious discussion with two of his players.
Vintage Browns captioned it perfect for those of us who wish we were the proverbial fly on the wall in one of these Belichick huddles.
“I want you to hit anything that moves.”
https://twitter.com/VintageBrowns/status/1542467906369425414
This picture was taken sometime between 1991 and 1993.
TGIF Browns fans!
NEXT: Kareem Hunt Comments On A Potential Contract Extension