Deshaun Watson's sanction for alleged sexual misconduct 1:24
(CNN) --
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended six games without pay for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy for his "predatory conduct" in private meetings with massage therapists, according to the ruling of a judge appointed jointly by the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
"Although this is the most significant punishment ever imposed on an NFL player for allegations of non-violent sexual conduct, Mr. Watson's pattern of conduct is more egregious than any previously reviewed by the NFL," the former federal judge wrote. Sue L. Robinson in the 16-page ruling.
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The six-game suspension falls well short of the NFL's request that Watson be suspended for at least the entire 17-game season and the postseason.
In his ruling, Robinson criticized the NFL for calling for an unprecedented full-season suspension that would be much longer than other players accused of nonviolent sexual conduct.
"While it may be entirely appropriate to more harshly discipline players for nonviolent sexual conduct, I don't think it's appropriate to do so without noting the extraordinary change this position heralds for the NFL and its players," he wrote.
Both the NFL and the NFLPA can now appeal to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in writing within three business days, in accordance with their collective bargaining agreement.
Goodell or his designee "will issue a written decision that will constitute a full, final and complete disposition of the dispute and will be binding on the player," according to the agreement.
In a statement, the NFL praised Robinson's "diligence and professionalism" in the process and said it is reviewing his next steps.
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On Sunday night, the NFLPA and Deshaun Watson released a joint statement saying they will not appeal regardless of the decision and called on the NFL to do the same.
The ruling comes after several women who worked as massage therapists filed lawsuits against Watson alleging sexual assault or inappropriate conduct during massage sessions.
A total of 24 women sued the quarterback, and since then all but one of the cases have been settled, according to plaintiffs' attorney Tony Buzbee.
Deshaun Watson, a three-time Pro Bowl player, did not play last season while a member of the Houston Texans due to a trade lawsuit as well as investigations into these allegations.
He has repeatedly denied the accusations against him and said that he does not regret any of his actions.
In March, a grand jury in Harris County, Texas, declined to indict Watson on allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct after determining there was insufficient evidence to charge him with a crime.
The incidents were described as "resulting from massage therapy sessions," according to a statement on the NFL website.
Days later, the Browns traded three first-round picks for Deshaun Watson and then signed him to a 5-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, the most guaranteed money in NFL history.
Watson will not be paid during his suspension, but the Browns have structured his new contract so that his base salary is $690,000 in his first year and then $46 million for each of the next four years.
Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, told CNN he won't comment until the NFL decides whether he will appeal.
Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam issued a statement Monday saying Deshaun Watson and his representatives have followed the process established by the league and players' association.
"We respect Judge Robinson's decision and, at the same time, we empathize and understand that there have been many people affected throughout this process," the Haslams said.
"We know Deshaun is sorry that this situation has caused so many a lot of pain and he will continue to do the work necessary to show who he is on and off the field and we will continue to support him."
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he respects the judge's opinion but has not read the entire ruling.
He threw his support behind Deshaun Watson, who the coach said would speak to the media at a later date.
“I'm going to stick with what we've said all along about Deshaun as a person.
I would mention, Deshaun has said, that he is working to be the best version of himself.
He is committed to it, Stefansky said.
"He said it publicly, he said it privately and I believe it."
CNN has reached out to the players' union for comment.
CNN's Homero De la Fuente contributed to this report.
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