NFL

2022 - 8 - 5

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Goodell taps ex-New Jersey attorney general for NFL's Deshaun ... (The Guardian)

Roger Goodell has handed off Deshaun Watson's discipline case to a lawyer with league connections and expertise in domestic violence and sexual assault.

The 26-year-old has continued to practice with the Browns, who are again in a wait-and-see mode after thinking they might only be without Watson for six games. Because of the way Cleveland structured his contract, Watson stood to forfeit only $345,000 under Robinson’s ruling. The former federal judge concluded that Watson violated the league’s policy by engaging in unwanted sexual contact with another person, endangering the safety and well-being of another person and undermining the league’s integrity. Goodell chose a designee to handle Watson’s case because he wanted an expert in the field who can focus solely on this matter, a person familiar with Harvey’s appointment told he Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because it’s an internal matter. “The NFL’s appeal addresses whether, based on the findings made by Judge Robinson, the discipline should be modified to include a professional evaluation and treatment as determined by medical experts, an appropriate fine, and a longer suspension,” the league said in a statement. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has handed off Deshaun Watson’s discipline case to a lawyer with league connections and expertise in domestic violence and sexual assault.

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Former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey selected to ... (ESPN)

Onetime New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey was selected by commissioner Roger Goodell to hear the NFL's appeal of the disciplinary decision ...

Watson has been accused of sexual assault and other inappropriate conduct during massage sessions in civil lawsuits filed by 25 women. While relying on precedent, Robinson sought to differentiate between violent and nonviolent sexual conduct. Harvey has served as Goodell's designee in other arbitrations.

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2022 Hall of Fame Game: What We Learned from Raiders' win over ... (NFL.com)

The 2022 preseason opened up Thursday with the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. After a weather delay, the Las Vegas Raiders came out with a ...

news news news news news news

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NFL Hall of Fame Game 2022: Updates on Jaguars-Raiders ... (Yahoo Sport Australia)

The NFL returned on Thursday with its annual Hall of Fame Game to open the league's 2022 preseason, with the rising Las Vegas Raiders and rebuilding ...

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Las Vegas Raiders overrun Jaguars in rain-delayed NFL preseason ... (The Guardian)

Josh Jacobs and rookie Zamir White ran well on a rain-soaked field and the Raiders routed Jacksonville 27-11 in the Hall of Fame game Thursday night.

Daniel Carlson connected on field goals of 32 and 55 yards to give the Raiders a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. Down 27-3, the Jaguars found the end zone when Kyle Sloter tossed a five-yard TD pass to Nathan Cottrell late in the fourth quarter. Jacksonville’s Willie Johnson returned a punt 88 yards for a score on the final play of the third quarter but it was nullified by a holding penalty. He’s tasked with trying to turn one of the league’s worst organizations into a winner. To have an opportunity to do that with him here, my family and people who helped me along the way, it was a special night for them. “It’s the first time I’ve been to this Hall of Fame game it in 22 years.

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18 players in NFL history have been suspended for more than 6 ... (NFL Draft Diamonds)

Michael Vick. Vick, a former Atlanta quarterback, was indefinitely suspended in 2007 for his role in a dogfighting scandal. The suspension lasted two ...

Ray Rice. Rice was initially suspended for two games by the N.F.L. after his arrest on domestic violence charges in July 2014. Martavis Bryant. Bryant, a receiver, was suspended for at least one year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy in 2016. He was most recently suspended in January 2021 and reinstated in September 2021. He was also sentenced to 180 days in jail and 10 years of probation. Darren Waller. In 2017, Waller, then a Baltimore tight end, was suspended for at least one year for violating the substance abuse policy. Before his suspension was complete, Henry was sentenced to three years in prison for financing a drug operation. He was reinstated in 2018. Jerrell Freeman. Freeman, a linebacker, was suspended twice for multiple games after positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs while with Chicago in 2016 and 2017. He was reinstated in 2014. The suspension lasted two seasons; Vick was reinstated before the 2009 season after serving an 18-month prison sentence. I was lucky to find an article by the New York Times that broke down 18 players who have been suspended longer than six games, and I was really impressed with their breakdown. Did you know that Michael Vick had the longest suspension in NFL history?

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Image courtesy of "Sports Illustrated"

Pair of Former Bulldogs' Impress in NFL Preseason Debut (Sports Illustrated)

Both Travon Walker and Zamir White impressed as they went head-to-head in the first NFL preseason game of 2022.

Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @BulldogMaven & follow us on Twitter at @BulldogsSI. Despite not trotting out their starting offense, Jaguars' head coach Doug Pederson sent out the first-team defense, where both Walker and Campbell featured. Second-year cornerback Tyson Campbell, No. 1 overall draft pick Travon Walker, and fifth-round running back Zamir White all saw action on the field Thursday night.

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Two Colts' Stars Named to NFL.com's 'Top 25 NFL Free Agents in ... (Stampede Blue)

The Colts have a top prospective free agent on each of their lines with still some time ahead of the 2023 offseason.

Pass rushers are held at a premium in today’s passing league, and the Colts were pretty fortunate to have a found an elite one again by landing Ngakoue this offseason. He’s a ‘lead by example’ leader in their locker room and franchise cornerstone. Rest assured, Nelson will become the highest paid offensive guard in NFL history one way or the other (if not by the Colts ultimately, another NFL team)—but it could be a situation where the Colts elect for the franchise tag over inking him to a long-term mega-deal (if an extension isn’t already reached still yet this offseason)—should injuries arise again.

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The NFL is back! Preseason begins with Las Vegas Raiders blowing ... (CNN)

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham celebrates with tight end Jacob Hollister after scrambling for a touchdown during the first half against the ...

No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft Travon Walker was called for a roughing-the-passer penalty against Raiders backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham on the very first play from scrimmage. He added: "We made sure everybody played in this game. afterwards. "It's the first time I've been in this Hall of Fame Game in 22 years.

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Deshaun Watson nixed settlement offer from NFL that would have ... (CBSSports.com)

The Browns QB could have ended all his suspension drama if he would have accepted this offer from the NFL.

The fact that the NFL was willing to agree to a 12-game ban in a potential settlement -- instead of a one-year suspension -- isn't a coincidence. As for the appeal process, Watson's camp has until Friday to respond to the NFL's appeal. If the suspension is bumped up to 12 games, they might just go along with it and not file a lawsuit. Although the NFL wanted to see Watson suspended for a full year, the league was willing to trim that number down in a settlement. If there's no settlement and Watson's suspension ends up getting extended by the NFL, there's a very real chance that this case will end up in federal court. At this point, it feels like the best-case scenario for Watson is now a 12-game suspension.

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Travon Walker flashes dominant traits in his NFL debut (NFL Spin Zone)

Jacksonville Jaguars top pick Travon Walker wasted no time showing off his outstanding traits in his NFL debut against the Raiders.

That’s something the Jaguars have desperately needed and head coach Doug Pederson understands the value of winning in the trenches. Getting a consistent presence off the edge is tough in today’s NFL. Travon Walker didn’t exactly have the most fanfare of any top overall pick in the last decade or so. Jacksonville Jaguars top pick Travon Walker wasted no time showing off his outstanding traits in his NFL debut against the Raiders.

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NFL's appeal of Deshaun Watson suspension takes big step forward ... (CBSSports.com)

Welcome to the Friday edition of the Pick Six newsletter! After waiting 172 days, we finally got an NFL game on Thursday night and it was amazing.

The Steelerswide receiver was looking for an extension and he finally got it on Thursday when he agreed to terms on a deal that will add two years to his current contract. "It's a little bit abnormal for a quarterback, some of this stuff is things that MLB pitchers deal with, so it is something that we're kind of learning about on the fly and his feedback." At this point, it makes sense that the Rams aren't overly concerned -- because Stafford has plenty of time to heal -- but I would be at least somewhat concerned if I were them. If there's no settlement and Watson's suspension ends up getting extended by the NFL, there's a very real chance that this case could end up in federal court, but we won't cross that bridge until we get to it. "It is a tricky deal and you want to make sure that you're getting with the right people that are experts in this field," McVay said. The Browns play their first preseason gamenext week and you have to think that the league would like to have the appeals process finished by then. Watson's camp could use the response to point out why the NFL's appeal is flawed and they could also use it to argue that their client should only serve six games because that was a punishment that an independent disciplinary officer came up with. Also, and probably more importantly, this isn't the first time Harvey has been designated to handle a decision like this for the league. - What's next for Watson. The quarterback's legal team has until the end of today to file a response to the NFL's appeal. The fourth quarter of the Hall of Fame Game is usually unwatchable due to the fact that most NFL fans have never heard of any players on the field and it becomes even harder to watch when it's being played at midnight. This was a homecoming game for McDaniels -- he was raised in Canton, Ohio -- and there was no way he was going to lose. The Jaguars looked like the Jaguars. The Jaguars are the Jaguars because they regularly make embarrassing mistakes and we saw a few of those on Thursday night.

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Cleveland Browns sticking with QB prep plan despite NFL's appeal ... (ESPN)

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the team will "move ahead with what we're doing" in preparing its quarterbacks as Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension is ...

... We're going to be using every opportunity we have out here, individual drill, post-practice, during practice, we've got to get all these guys ready to play." "Obviously, we want to know what's going on and be done with it. "We've got to get Deshaun ready to play, he hasn't played football in a year," Stefanski said. According to the league's personal conduct policy, it must be done on an expedited basis. "We'll just kind of await clarity on the situation," Stefanski said before Friday's practice. Harvey works now as a partner at the Patterson Belknap firm in New York. He has also served as a federal prosecutor and is a member of the NFL's diversity advisory committee.

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NFL Transactions for August 5, 2022 | Presented by the Hula Bowl ... (NFL Draft Diamonds)

NFL Transactions for Today! Every day we track each and every roster cut, trade, workout, and signing here on NFL Draft Diamonds.

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Ranking NFL's blockbuster receiver deals: Most bang for the buck ... (NFL.com)

Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. Today's installment explores this ...

Kirk can align in the slot to execute bubble screens, option routes and a variety of short crossing routes or run the complete route tree from an "X" (split end) or "Z" (flanker) position. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and prime-time regular-season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand and more! As part of my training camp tour for NFL Network, I had a chance to watch the Jaguars practice earlier this week, and Kirk stole the show. He is a versatile inside/outside wideout with outstanding route-running skills and sneaky RAC (run after catch) ability. And he provides Matthew Stafford with a reliable playmaker to target in the clutch. Although Brown and Smith will share the workload as WR1a and WR1b, the new guy in town possesses the size and strength to come down with 50-50 balls in the clutch. McLaurin has put up impressive numbers despite playing with a revolving door at the quarterback position. While plenty of teams would love a WR2 with Williams' gifts as a 50-50 ball specialist, it is hard to envision him supplanting his teammate as the No. 1 option in the passing game, given Allen's ridiculous route-running skills and pure "get open" ability. Consequently, I decided to examine the situations of all 11 receivers who just joined the $20 million club, assessing contracts, quarterbacks and coaching staffs. The Panthers' WR1 might not be a household name, but he's a precise route runner with outstanding timing and rhythm. As a passing league in the modern era, the NFL has consistently paid a premium for passers, pass rushers and pass protectors. Clearly, the WR marketplace has significantly changed in 2022.

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NFLPA files reply to NFL's appeal of Deshaun Watson suspension (The Athletic)

The NFLPA filed its reply brief to the NFL's appeal of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension Friday, the union announced.

On Wednesday, the NFL appealed the suspension handed to Watson, who was accused by at least two dozen women of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. Robinson’s proposed discipline came after more than a month of deliberation following a three-day hearing from June 28-30. Ahead of Robinson’s decision, the NFLPA said it would stand by her ruling and called on the NFL to do the same.

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Deshaun Watson suspension news: Latest updates, timeline for ... (Sporting News AU)

The NFL has appealed Judge Sue L. Robinson's ruling of a six-game suspension for Watson and appointed a designee. Follow along as The Sporting News tracks ...

That would make it more likely that the judge in charge of the case would not provide a restraining order for Watson. That would potentially allow for Watson to play in Week 1 while the case is handled in the courts. 8:40 p.m. ET: Dan Graziano of ESPN reports that the NFL and Watson's legal team engaged in talks to suspend him 12 games and fine him upward of $8 million. By challenging her ruling, the NFL is saying there is no precedent for Watson's case, considering the scope of his sexual assault violations (as defined by the CBA). Should the arbiter tack on a significant number of games to Watson's suspension, it could set up a lengthy battle in federal court. Moreover, Goodell or the arbiter's ruling will not be subject to appeal, meaning it will be final inasmuch the CBA is concerned.

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Cleveland Browns sticking with QB prep plan despite NFL's appeal ... (ESPN Australia)

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the team will "move ahead with what we're doing" in preparing its quarterbacks as Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension is ...

... We're going to be using every opportunity we have out here, individual drill, post-practice, during practice, we've got to get all these guys ready to play." "Obviously, we want to know what's going on and be done with it. "We've got to get Deshaun ready to play, he hasn't played football in a year," Stefanski said. According to the league's personal conduct policy, it must be done on an expedited basis. "We'll just kind of await clarity on the situation," Stefanski said before Friday's practice. Harvey works now as a partner at the Patterson Belknap firm in New York. He has also served as a federal prosecutor and is a member of the NFL's diversity advisory committee.

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Union files brief replying to NFL's appeal in Watson case (The Washington Post)

The NFL Players Association has filed a brief replying to the league's appeal in Deshaun Watson's discipline case.

The NFL said Friday there’s no timeline for Harvey to issue a ruling. Goodell chose a designee to handle Watson’s case because he wanted an expert in the field who can focus solely on this matter, a person familiar with Harvey’s appointment told the AP on Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because it’s an internal matter. Harvey was selected by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday to hear the league’s appeal of the six-game suspension given to Watson for violating the personal conduct policy.

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NFLPA files brief replying to NFL's appeal in Deshaun Watson case (USA TODAY)

Former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey now has the necessary paperwork to issue a ruling. The players' union announced the reply brief shortly ...

The NFL said Friday there’s no timeline for Harvey to issue a ruling. Goodell chose a designee to handle Watson’s case because he wanted an expert in the field who can focus solely on this matter, a person familiar with Harvey’s appointment told the AP on Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because it’s an internal matter. Harvey was selected by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday to hear the league’s appeal of the six-game suspension given to Watson for violating the personal conduct policy.

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Hula Bowl Players Commanding Respect in the NFL (NFL Draft Diamonds)

Former Hula Participants, QB Cole Kelley and CB Christian Holmes of the Washington Commanders I was fortunate to attend Washington Commanders training.

Yet, he is comfortable adapting to the NFL, learning the terminology of the playbook. He also has a strong arm and came to Washington as a very prolific college passer. In fact, one scout who I spoke with compared the style of Holmes to that of Jackson’s. Holmes has been one of the best rookie standouts in training camp so far, showcasing his playmaking ability, having the most PBUs among rookies. On the field, I was happy to see some of our former Hula Bowl players in action. Many believed that he was the best DB at the event, if not the best prospect, matching up well against every receiver and showing the ability to run stride for stride with anyone. In fact, you were able to see Kerrigan mingle with the players and coaches, as well as sign a few autographs.

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell designates former NJ attorney ... (NFL.com)

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday designated former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey to hear the league's appeal of Cleveland Browns ...

"He has also served as a federal prosecutor. Two grand juries in Texas declined to indict Watson on criminal complaints filed by 10 women. "Mr. Harvey served as the Attorney General of New Jersey and is now a partner at the Paterson Belknap firm in New York," the league said Thursday in a statement.

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Jaguars vs. Raiders live score, updates, highlights from NFL's Hall of ... (Sporting News)

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Jaguars vs. Raiders in the NFL Hall of Fame Game. Follow for complete results from the ...

7:54 p.m.: As inclement weather descends on Canton, the Hall of Fame Game has entered a weather delay. Stidham and the Raiders back on the field now. 8:42 p.m.: Jarett Stidham is under center for the Raiders. First play from scrimmage and he airs it out. 10:35 p.m.: The Raiders give the ball back to the Jags after a five-play, 13-yard drive. Jacksonville is starting to get into the game a bit. 9:26 p.m.: The Jags just can't seem to get out of their own way early. Snoop Conner then makes a Raiders defender miss and gets the first down. It goes in the end zone for a touchback. 9:30 p.m.: Vegas is moving the ball with relative ease. Tyron Johnson takes a hit to the head and goes down. That's another sack for the Jags, their fourth of the game. 11 p.m.: Jacksonville finally took a risk and went for it on fourth and one.

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Deshaun Watson suspension news: Latest updates, timeline for ... (Sporting News AU)

The NFL has appealed Judge Sue L. Robinson's ruling of a six-game suspension for Watson and appointed a designee. Follow along as The Sporting News tracks ...

That would make it more likely that the judge in charge of the case would not provide a restraining order for Watson. That would potentially allow for Watson to play in Week 1 while the case is handled in the courts. 8:40 p.m. ET: Dan Graziano of ESPN reports that the NFL and Watson's legal team engaged in talks to suspend him 12 games and fine him upward of $8 million. By challenging her ruling, the NFL is saying there is no precedent for Watson's case, considering the scope of his sexual assault violations (as defined by the CBA). Moreover, Goodell or the arbiter's ruling will not be subject to appeal, meaning it will be final inasmuch the CBA is concerned. Should the arbiter tack on a significant number of games to Watson's suspension, it could set up a lengthy battle in federal court.

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NFL names former New Jersey AG to hear Deshaun Watson appeal (The Washington Post)

Peter G. Harvey, the former attorney general of New Jersey, will hear the league's appeal of the six-game suspension given to Watson by a disciplinary ...

“What do the actions of the NFL say to little girls who have suffered at the hands of someone perceived to have power?” Solis said at Thursday’s news conference. Even so, Buzbee read a list of negative reactions that he said he had received from his clients to Watson’s six-game suspension. He said that 10 of his clients were made available to the league’s investigators. The NFL said in a statement that its appeal “addresses whether, based on the findings made by Judge Robinson, the discipline should be modified to include a professional evaluation and treatment as determined by medical experts, an appropriate fine, and a longer suspension. But, you know, even when you know you’re going to be slapped in the face, that slap still hurts and it still stings.” Robinson delivered her ruling Monday, calling Watson’s behavior “predatory” and “egregious” but citing disciplinary precedent for the six-game suspension.

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Pro Football Hall of Fame Game delayed due to inclement weather (NFL.com)

The start of the 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders has been delayed due to ...

Scattered thunderstorms intermittently dumped rain on parts of Northeast Ohio for most of the day leading up to the game. Kickoff, which was originally scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, is now expected to be 8:40 p.m. ET, per the NBC broadcast. As the Jaguars and Raiders warmed up on the field at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, a storm front rolled into Canton 30 minutes before kickoff Thursday. Rain began to fall around 7:40 p.m. ET, just minutes after the stadium's scoreboards displayed a message warning of the arrival of severe weather, sending fans to seek shelter in the concourses.

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N.F.L. Names Advisor to Hear Deshaun Watson Appeal (The New York Times)

Peter C. Harvey advised the league in 2017 on its decision to suspend Ezekiel Elliott for six games after an investigation of domestic violence accusations.

Not all of the women who filed lawsuits against Watson chose to interview with the league. But courts tend not to interfere with companies and unions that have jointly approved arbitration and appeals processes, as the league and the players’ association did. But if the disciplinary officer finds there is a violation of the personal conduct policy, Goodell or his designee still have final say over the extent of the discipline. He also is a board member of Futures Without Violence, a nonprofit organization that seeks policy solutions to end violence against women and children. “What do the actions of the N.F.L. say to little girls who have suffered at the hands of someone perceived to have power?” Solis said. The league is seeking the same penalty in its appeal, and it has also recommended a fine and treatment for Watson, according to a person with knowledge of the brief that the N.F.L. submitted Wednesday but who is not authorized to speak publicly about it. Tony Buzbee, the lawyer for Watson’s accusers, held a news conference Thursday afternoon in which he called the N.F.L.’s record on violence against women “sketchy and sad,” and he urged Goodell to issue a stronger penalty. Per its terms, the arbitrator issued an initial ruling, which either side could appeal to Commissioner Roger Goodell or a person of his choosing. The league has said the appeal will be heard on an “expedited” basis. Watson has denied the allegations against him. Before Robinson suspended Watson for six games, the N.F.L. asked for at least a full-year suspension. On Wednesday, the N.F.L. appealed Watson’s suspension, which was issued by a third-party disciplinary officer after a three-day hearing in June that probed accusations that he had engaged in sexually coercive and lewd behavior during massages.

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Former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey selected to ... (ESPN Australia)

New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey was selected by Roger Goodell to hear the NFL's appeal of the disciplinary decision involving Deshaun Watson.

Watson has been accused of sexual assault and other inappropriate conduct during massage sessions in civil lawsuits filed by 25 women. While relying on precedent, Robinson sought to differentiate between violent and nonviolent sexual conduct. Harvey has also served as Goodell's designee in other arbitrations.

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Image courtesy of "Sporting News AU"

Jaguars vs. Raiders odds, predictions, betting tips for 2022 NFL Hall ... (Sporting News AU)

Thursday night marks the start of the NFL preseason, as the Raiders face the Jaguars in the 2022 Hall of Fame Game. We break down the odds for this ...

Betting advice: If you're itching to get involved with a Hall of Fame Game wager, taking the Raiders -2.5 (-115) might be the best route. We have a whole 18-week regular season to wager on along with a three-week preseason slate starting next week. The Raiders' backup RBs (Brandon Bolden, Ameer Abdullah, and Zamir White) are capable of having effective performances, and its WR corps is also fairly deep. After opening up around a pick 'em (-110 juice on both teams' moneylines), the Raiders have been bet down to a -135 favorite. No team has surpassed 21-plus points in the Hall of Fame Game since the Cowboys scored 24 points in 2013. This backup-filled contest won't necessarily be appealing to watch, but as long as there's a moneyline, spread, and over/under on the odds board, bettors can make Thursday night's game a tad more intriguing.

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NFL's preseason Hall of Fame game delayed due to weather (USA TODAY)

The start of the Hall of Fame game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night was...

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — The start of the Hall of Fame game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night was delayed due to severe weather in the area. Fans were told to seek shelter when storms moved through the area ahead of the start of the NFL preseason opener at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The game, originally scheduled to start at approximately 8 p.m., began after a 40-minute delay. NFL's preseason Hall of Fame game delayed due to weather

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Roger Goodell Won't Directly Oversee NFL's Appeal of Deshaun ... (Bleacher Report)

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appointed Peter C. Harvey, former New Jersey attorney general, to hear the appeal of Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension....

The team also provided Watson with a membership to a Houston hotel and fitness club where he held some of his massage appointments. Watson has settled 20 and agreed to settle three more of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against him by women accusing him of sexual assault or misconduct during massage therapy sessions. Sue L. Robinson, the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA, handed down a six-game ban for the Cleveland Browns quarterback. Why? My opinion …

1) Gives the NFL a better shot at avoiding court.

2) Better maintains integrity of the process they negotiated with the PA. Dan Graziano of ESPN reported Sunday that the league was prepared to settle for a 12-game suspension and a "heavy fine" of around $8 million. The MMQB's Albert Breer speculated on why the commissioner isn't exercising that right in this case:

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