Retired federal judge and independent disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson made the ruling Monday, ESPN reported.
CNN has reached out to the NFL, the NFLPA and the Browns for comment.
Robinson heard Watson’s case in late June and was jointly designated by both the NFL and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), according to their collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Either side can now appeal in writing to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell within three business days, according to the CBA. Goodell or his designee “shall issue a written decision which shall constitute a complete, final and complete disposition of the dispute and shall be binding upon the player,” according to the ABC.
On Sunday night, the NFLPA and Watson released a joint statement, saying they will not appeal, regardless of the decision, and are asking the NFL to do the same.
Watson did not play last season while a member of the Houston Texans because of investigations into allegations of misconduct, including sexual assault and harassment involving more than two dozen women.
Watson, who was traded to the Browns in March, has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.
In June, Watson settled 20 of 24 lawsuits filed by women accusing him of misconduct, according to a lawyer for 24 accusers.
In July, 30 women who “made, or intended to make, claims” against the Houston Texans organization over allegations of sexual misconduct against Watson settled their claims, according to a statement from the plaintiffs’ attorney, Tony Buzbee, and a statement issued. by Houston Texans ownership.