Who is Sue Robinson, the arbitrator in Deshaun Watson’s NFL disciplinary hearing?

The NFL will begin its disciplinary hearing on charges of sexual misconduct and abuse against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on Tuesday.

According to the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, any investigation into violations of the guidelines may be conducted by the NFL or independent parties.

NFL and NFLPA jointly select arbitrator

In the case of Tuesday’s hearing, former U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson will be the independent officer presiding over the proceedings.

The NFL and the NFL Players Association jointly chose Robinson to be the hearing’s independent disciplinary arbitrator, and both parties will also shoulder the cost of her services.

Who is Judge Sue Robinson?

President George H. W. Bush nominated Robinson to be a federal judge for the District Court of Delaware in 1991. She was the first woman Chief Judge for the district and served in this position from 2000 to 2007. Her tenure spanned five presidential administrations, and she retired from active service a few months after attaining senior status in 2017.

Before President Bush’s appointment, she was an Assistant U.S. Attorney and U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Delaware.

Judge Robinson’s field of expertise includes antitrust, intellectual property, trademark and copyright, bankruptcy, and pharmaceuticals. At present, she works as a consultant on commercial litigation and arbitration.

Judge Robinson’s decision not necessarily final

The appointment of Robinson to settle a disciplinary dispute comes after lengthy discussions between the NFL and the Players Association regarding whether or not the arbitration process was fair.

Despite this unprecedented development, the former judge’s decision may still not be absolute. Either side can appeal her ruling, with the final decision possibly resting on NFL Commissioner Goodell or his appointee.