Browns’ Watson Apologizes “To All Women I Have Influenced”

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson apologised Friday for his actions following being accused of sexual misconduct by two dozen women during massage therapy sessions.

Watson is in danger of a year-long NFL suspension. He spoke to Cleveland before the exhibition opener. This was his first game since January 3 2021, against the Houston Texans.

Watson had six games suspended earlier in the month by Sue L. Robinson (an independent arbitrator). She concluded that he was violating the league’s personal conduct policies with “egregious and predatory” behaviours.

In her final decision, she noted Watson’s inability to remorse.

Watson received a TV interview in which he was asked for his reaction to Robinson’s statement that he hadn’t been constrained.

” Look, Watson stated in an interview that she was sorry for the impact on women that he had made in this circumstance.

” The decisions I made that placed me in the position that I have now would I like to make back. But I will continue moving forward, learning and growing and showing that I’m a person of character. .”

Watson is accused of assaulting and sexually harassing women in therapy sessions in 2020, 2021.. He denied any wrongdoing, and two Texas grand juries declined to indict him for criminal charges.

The three-time Pro Bowler settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits.

However, Robinson is still under discipline by the league. They appeal Robinson’s penalty. Watson will be subject to evaluation before Watson could be reinstated.

The appeal is with Peter C. Harvey. He was appointed as a New Jersey Attorney General by Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Harvey’s decision is still subject to change. There is also the possibility that both sides might reach a deal.

On Thursday, a person familiar with Watson’s defense told AP that the 26-year-old would agree to an eight-game suspension and $5 million fine.

The person spoke under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of this high-profile case.

Watson continues to practice, and was thrilled to make his debut with Cleveland. In March, Houston traded three first-round picks for him and the Cleveland signed him to an $230million contract.

Depending on Harvey’s ruling, Watson may be absent from the Browns over a prolonged period. When Watson was asked about his personal goals, he replied that he wanted to see more of himself.

” I know that I need to do a lot more, particularly on the field in order to be ready for when the time is right.

“But the most important thing to me is that I want counseling to continue and I want my personal growth to be a factor in the decision making on the field.

” I want to ensure that my community is constantly evolving. This is not just for Cleveland, but also the NFL community. .”

By Tom Withers

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