NFL to appeal Cleveland Browns star Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension

• NFL appeals Watson's six-game ban in seek of stiffer penalty
• Players' union has right to respond to challenge appeal ruling

The NFL is appealing a disciplinary officer's decision to suspend Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy, giving commissioner Roger Goodell or someone he designates authority to impose a stiffer penalty.

Former federal judge Sue L Robinson issued her ruling Monday after Watson was accused by two dozen women in Texas of sexual misconduct during massage treatments while he played for the Houston Texans.