When the players union invariably challenges the year suspension in court, does the suspension get delayed pending the outcome?
I mean even if they detest Watson personally, and even if tge believe he is guilty, they have to fight. Allowing one of their members to be suspended a full year based on allegations with no direct evidenve, convictions, or even an attempt at prosecution would be a precident they cannot let go unchallenged? It could leave all the players open to financial/career harm from future allegations. That goes doubly so if there are monetary penalties beyond salary for the period of the suspension.
Win/win for Goodell though, which irks me. He gets to look tough on the subject even if his decision is overturned... and win or lose the union looks bad.