Deshaun Watson’s Suspension Will Test the N.F.L.’s Support for Women

The N.F.L. must decide whether to uphold Watson’s six-game suspension or impose a more severe penalty. Its choice will speak volumes, writes our columnist.

N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell will review an arbitrator’s ruling to suspend Deshaun Watson six games. Credit...Gary Vasquez/USA Today Sports, via ReutersSix games off. That’s the suspension. That’s it.

That was the ruling handed down by retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson on Monday after she reviewed arguments for and against punishing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Robinson, the mediator who oversaw Watson’s hearing, decided against the N.F.L.’s recommendation that Watson receive at least a year’s suspension after he…