JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun WatsonIn an interview Friday, he apologised to the women who had accused him of sexual misconduct during his massage sessions.
Watson spoke out Friday in an interview with Cleveland News 5 during a pregame show. Watson said, “I'm really sorry to all the women that have been affected in this situation.”
The interview was conducted before Friday's preseason match against the Jacksonville JaguarsWatson will begin by addressing this question.
Watson stated in Friday's only interview with reporters that Watson has had since joining the Browns. Houston Texans Watson stated that he had no regrets about any of the actions he took during the massage sessions. Watson said that he has no regrets regarding his actions at the Cleveland minicamp in June. He also admitted that he was sorry for the effect the allegations had had upon those around him.
On Friday, he indicated a different opinion.
“The decisions that were made in my life that placed me in this situation I would definitely love to have back,” he stated on the Browns pregame show. “But, I want to keep moving ahead and growing and learning and show that I am a true character person and I am going forward.”
Watson and his Browns are still waiting to hear if Watson will be suspended any longer than the six game-ban he was handed by disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson last week You have violated the league's personal conduct policies. The NFL seeks a more severe punishment has appealed Robinson's rulingThis will be heard by former New Jersey attorney general Peter C. Harvey. Harvey does not have a specific deadline for the appeal to be decided, but he must continue his work on an “expedited basis” per the collective bargaining agreements.
Robinson's 16-page report noted that Watson's “lack of expressed regret” was a major factor in her decision not to suspend Watson for six more games.
In civil lawsuits brought by 25 women, Watson was accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions. These encounters were alleged to have occurred between March 2020 and March 2021 while Watson was a member the Texans. In March 2022, the Browns traded Watson for three draft picks to Houston. Watson then received a $230 million guaranteed contract.
One of the 25 lawsuits was dropped following a April 2021 judge's ruling that the plaintiffs had to amend their petitions to reveal their names. Watson was also sued by two other women who filed criminal charges against him. Watson has agreed to settle or settled all remaining lawsuits, except for one. This case is still pending. The Texans reached settlements in July with 30 women who had made claims against the NFL for its alleged “enabling”, of Watson's behavior.
Watson hasn't taken a snap since 2020. He declared Friday that he was “super excited” about finally playing.
He stated, “Each snap, I want make sure that I cherish it because I don't know when the next opportunity will be available with those guys.”
Watson stated that he will use the suspension to his advantage, regardless of how long it lasts.
He stated that he knows he has a lot of work ahead of him, particularly on the field. “It's important to know that I am ready to play when it comes to the field whenever it is,” he added. “But, also, I want counseling to continue and I want that to be a part of my decision-making on and off the field. I want to be as active in the community as I can, which is Cleveland, the NFL community, and beyond.
