Deshaun Watson apologizes to ‘all the women I have impacted’

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson apologized Friday “to all the women I have impacted“ after being accused by two dozen women of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.

Watson, who is facing a potential yearlong NFL suspension, spoke before Cleveland’s exhibition opener in Jacksonville — his first game since Jan. 3, 2021, with the Houston Texans.

Watson was suspended six games earlier this month by independent arbiter Sue L. Robinson, who concluded he violated the league’s personal conduct policy with “egregious” and “predatory” behavior.

As part of her decision, the retired federal judge noted Watson’s lack of remorse.

Watson was asked in a pregame interview with the team’s in-house TV crew Friday for his response to Robinson’s position that he hasn’t been contrite.

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“Look, I want to say that I’m truly sorry to all of the women that I have impacted in this situation,” Watson said in the interview. “The decisions that I made in my life that put me in this position I would definitely like to have 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 am going to keep pushing forward.”

This is the first time Watson has publicly apologized for his alleged behavior. In his two media interviews since joining the Browns in March, he had said only that he had “no regrets” while acknowledging his actions had negatively impacted “so many people.”

Watson was accused of sexually harassing or assaulting the women during the therapy sessions in 2020 and 2021. He has always denied wrongdoing and grand juries in two Texas counties declined to indict him on criminal complaints.

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

However, he’s still facing discipline from the league, which appealed Robinson’s penalty and is seeking a full-season ban along with a significant fine over $5 million and for Watson to undergo evaluation and treatment before he could be reinstated.

The appeal is now with Peter C. Harvey, a former New Jersey attorney general appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell.

There’s no timetable on Harvey’s decision. It’s also possible the sides could work out a settlement. On Thursday, a person familiar with Watson’s defense told the Associated Press that the 26-year-old would agree to an eight-game suspension and $5 million fine.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the high-profile case.

Watson has continued to practice and was excited about making his debut with Cleveland, which traded three-first-round picks to Houston for him in March and signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract.