sport news Cleveland Browns confirm quarterback Deshaun Watson is set to start in the ... trends now BREAKING NEWS: Cleveland Browns confirm quarterback Deshaun Watson is set to start in the preseason opener against the Jaguars on Friday despite the NFL's calls to extend his suspension to at least a year amid appeal for alleged sexual misconduct Deshaun Watson was given a six-game ban by an independent arbiter last week The league has since appealed the suspension, which was branded a 'joke' Cleveland Browns face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Friday's preseason opener Watson is set to start in the game as long as there is no change to his status By Isabel Baldwin For Dailymail.Com Published: 21:44 BST, 10 August 2022 | Updated: 21:56 BST, 10 August 2022 Viewcomments The Cleveland Browns have confirmed Deshaun Watson will start in the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday. The 26-year-old quarterback was handed a six-game game last week by independent arbiter Sue L. Robinson over dozens of sexual misconduct allegations dating back to his time with the Houston Texans. The NFL has since exercised its collectively bargained right to file an appeal in the wake of the suspension, which was branded a joke. Watson is accused of sexually assaulting and harassing dozens of female massage therapists in the Houston area between 2019 and 2021. Unless Robinson's initial ban is overturned, Watson is still able to continue participating in practices and games throughout the preseason but once the regular season begins he will have to be away from the team. The Browns have now confirmed Watson will start in Friday's game provided there is no change in his status. The Cleveland Browns have confirmed Deshaun Watson will start in the preseason opener The 26-year-old quarterback was handed a six-game game last week by Sue L. Robinson After the league filed its appeal, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called for a minimum one-year suspension to be handed to Watson for alleged sexual misconduct that he termed as 'egregious' and 'predatory behavior'. Speaking Tuesday on why he wants Watson banned for a year, Goodell said: 'We've seen the evidence, she was very clear about the evidence, she reinforced the evidence. 'There were multiple violations that were egregious and it was predatory behavior.' The 26-year-old is accused of sexually assaulting and harassing dozens of female massage therapists in the Houston area dating back to his time with the Houston Texans NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has said he wants Watson to be banned for at least a year Under Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement, commissioner Roger Goodell could have heard the appeal himself or appointed another arbiter - and that ruling by Goodell or his designee would be final and binding to all parties. However, Goodell will not personally hear the appeal and instead appointed former New Jersey attorney general, Peter C. Harvey on Thursday. Harvey has the information at his disposal to write his ruling on the appeal. More to follow. Former attorney general of New Jersey Peter C. Harvey will hear the NFL's appeal Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility