Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshawn Watson apologized to “all the women I’ve influenced” Friday after two dozen women accused him of sexually abusing him during massage therapy sessions.
Watson, who is facing a one-year NFL suspension, spoke before the Cleveland Exposition opening in Jacksonville, his first game with the Houston Texans since January 3, 2021.
Earlier this month, Watson was suspended for six games by independent referee Sue L. Robinson, who ruled that she violated the league’s policy on personal behavior towards “teammates” and “rapists”.
The retired federal judge noted that Watson had no remorse as part of her decision.
In a televised interview before the match, Watson was asked how he responded to Robinson’s claim that he had no remorse.
Watson said in an interview, “Look, I just want to say I’m really sorry for all the women I’ve impacted in this situation.” Said. “The decisions I’ve made in my life that got me to this position, I really want to go back but I want to keep moving forward, to grow, to learn and to show that I am a real person with character and I will keep going forward” .
Watson has been accused of sexually harassing or harassing women during therapy sessions in 2020 and 2021. She has always denied any wrongdoing, and grand juries in two Texas states have refused to press charges against her.
The three-time professional bowler has settled 23 of 24 civil cases.
However, he still faces disciplinary action from the league, which appealed Robinson’s fine and sought a full-season ban with a hefty fine of more than $5 million, requiring Watson to be evaluated and treated before being reinstated to his former position. .
The appeal now rests with Peter S. Harvey, a former New Jersey Attorney General appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
There is no timeline for Harvey’s decision. It is also possible for the parties to reach an agreement. On Thursday, a person familiar with Watson’s defense told the AP that the 26-year-old had agreed to an eight-game suspension and a $5 million fine.
The man spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the high-profile case.
Watson continued to train and was excited by his first game in Cleveland in March, which awarded Houston three first-round picks and signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract.
Depending on the decision, Harvey Watson could be out of the Browns for a long time. He was asked what kind of personal development he expected.
I know I have a lot of work to do especially on the field to make sure I’m ready to play when it’s time to get back on the field. “But most importantly, I want to continue to give advice and make sure I grow as a person as a decision maker on and off the pitch.
“I want to make sure that I grow in the community as much as possible, and that’s for the Cleveland community, which is the NFL community and more.” ___
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Source: Breitbart
