Deshaun Watson Publicly Apologizes ‘to All The Women I Have Impacted’ For The First Time
In a public apology for the first time in his career, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson apologized to the women he “impacted” after he was accused of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Watson expressed remorse and apologized for the first time publicly.
Watson’s “lack of expressed remorse” was cited by disciplinary officer Susan L. Robinson in her report detailing her decision to issue him a six-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy as an “aggravating” factor.
Deshaun Watson Publicly Apologizes ‘to All The Women I Have Impacted’ For The First Time
Before the Browns’ preseason opener on Friday, Aditi Kinkhabwala, a Browns team contributor, asked Watson what his reaction had been to Robinson’s determination that he lacked remorse following the incident.
“I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to all of the women that I have impacted because of this situation,” said Watson, who was first accused of sexual misconduct in March 2021.
The decisions I made in my life that placed me in this position are certain decisions I would like to go back and get back, but I want to continue to move forward and grow and learn and show that I am a true person of character and I will continue to push forward.”
The Jaguars were defeated 24-13 by Watson on Friday after he threw two incompletions on the opening drive of the game.
On Cleveland’s second drive, which ended in a fumble by D’Ernest Johnson, Watson did not attempt a pass.
He played another series and ended the night with a 1 of 5 for 7-yard performance. With Watson at the helm of the offense, Cleveland was unable to earn a first down on any of its three possessions.
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After the game, Watson did not speak with any reporters.
In addition to Watson’s Friday start, the Browns and the NFL are awaiting the ruling from former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C.
Harvey on the NFL’s appeal of Watson’s six-game suspension in the upcoming week. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, there have been discussions between the NFL and NFL Players Association regarding a potential settlement, but nothing is imminent at this time.
He has reached confidential settlements with 23 out of 24 women who sued him in civil court alleging that he committed sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions while they were under his care.
Watson is 26 years old. In the past, Watson has denied any illegal behavior and has insisted that any sex he has had with the women was consensual.
His criminal charges were declined by a pair of Texas grand juries in March after they decided not to indict him.
On Friday, Watson acknowledged that he did not know when he would be able to play again.
As Watson said before the game, “I know that there is still a lot of work for me to do, especially on the field in order to ensure that I am ready to step back on the field whenever that time comes,” he said before the game.
Additionally, it’s important for me to continue counseling, and I’d like to make sure that I’m growing as a person, as an individual, so that I can make decisions on and off the field that are in line with my personal growth.
In order to evolve within the Cleveland community, the NFL community, and beyond, I want to do as much as possible to stay relevant to the community as a whole.”
He played his last game as a member of the Houston Texans in Week 17 of the 2020 season (Jan. 3, 2021), when he was a member of that team.
As a result of a 41-38 loss to the Tennessee Titans, he threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns.