Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, issued an apology on Friday “to all the people I have harmed” after the allegations of wrongdoing by more than two dozen women during massage therapy sessions.
Before Cleveland’s preseason opener in Jacksonville, Watson, who might be suspended for a whole season by the NFL, gave a speech.
This was his first game since playing for the Houston Texans on January 3, 2021.
Watson received a six-game suspension earlier this month after independent arbitrator Sue L. Robinson found he engaged in “egregious” and “predatory” behaviour that violated the league’s personal conduct rules.
The retired federal judge considered Watson’s lack of regret while making her conclusion.
In a pre-game TV interview, Watson was questioned about Robinson’s remarks.
Watson added in the interview, “Look, I want to say that I’m sincerely sorry to all of the women that I have affected in this circumstance.
“I would absolutely want to go back and change the choices I made in my life that placed me in this situation, but I want to keep moving ahead and develop, learn and prove that I am a real person of character, so I’m going to keep pushing forward.”
During the treatment sessions in 2020 and 2021, Watson is alleged to have harassed or physically assaulted the ladies.
Grand juries in two Texas counties refused to indict him on criminal accusations because he has consistently denied wrongdoing.
23 out of 24 legal claims were resolved by the three-time Pro Bowler.
The Texans, his old club, also came to an agreement with 30 women.
The league is still demanding a full season’s suspension, a hefty fine of more than $5 million, and Watson’s examination and treatment before he can be reinstated, despite having challenged Robinson’s punishment.
Currently handling the appeal is Peter C. Harvey, a former attorney general of New Jersey who was chosen by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Regarding Harvey’s choice, there is no deadline. It’s also conceivable that the parties might reach a compromise.
According to a source familiar with Watson’s case, the 26-year-old would accept an eight-game ban and $5 million punishment on Thursday, the AP said.
Due to the sensitive nature of the public case, the individual spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Watson has kept up his practise and is eager to make his Cleveland debut after being acquired in March in a deal with Houston in exchange for three first-round selections and a five-year, $230 million contract.
Watson may miss a significant amount of time for the Browns, depending on Harvey’s decision.
He was questioned about the type of personal development he desired.
When the opportunity arises to return to the field, he added, “I know I have a lot of effort to put in, particularly on the field to be able to make sure I’m ready to play whenever that time comes.”
The most important thing, however, is that I want to keep going to therapy and ensure that I’m developing personally so that I can make better decisions both on and off the field.
For the Cleveland community, the NFL community, and beyond, he said, “I want to make sure that I’m simply maturing in the community as much as possible.”