Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson says he regrets the effect sexual misconduct allegations against him have had on those around him.
Watson is the subject of 24 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct towards massage therapists. Watson has denied the allegations but on Tuesday he said he regretted the repercussions for those close to him.
“I do understand that I do have regrets as far as the impact … on the community and people outside of just myself,” Watson told reporters at the Browns’ practice facility. “And that includes my family. That includes this organization. That includes my teammates in this locker room that have to answer to these questions. That includes the fan base of the Cleveland Browns. That includes males, females, everyone across the world. That’s one thing I do regret is the impact that it’s triggered on so many people. It’s tough to have to deal with.”
Last week the New York Times reported that Watson hired at least 66 women for massages between 2019 and 2021. Some of those women have gone on to file complaints against the 26-year-old, while a smaller number have said he acted appropriately. On Tuesday, Watson again denied any wrongdoing although he has said he had consensual sexual relations with some of the women.
“Like I said, I never assaulted anyone,” he said. “I never harassed anyone. I never disrespected anyone. I never forced anyone to do anything.”
The NFL is investigating the allegations against Watson separately and he could face a long suspension if the league finds he violated its personal conduct policy. Two grand juries in Texas have declined to indict Watson on criminal complaints filed by 10 of his accusers.
“I can’t control that. I did everything they asked me to do. I answered every question truthfully that the NFL asked me,” Watson said on Tuesday of the NFL’s investigation. “I spent hours with the people they brought down. That’s all I can do, is be honest and tell them exactly what happened. They have a job and so I have to respect that. And that’s what we want to do, is cooperate. They have to make a decision that’s best for the league.”
Watson went on to say that the allegations have taken their toll on his mental wellbeing.
“It’s been tough … but I have a great family. I have a great legal team. And I have a great supporting cast here in this organization,” he said. “I go each and every day forcing on my task and being the best person I can be. I can’t control what the other side is doing with the legal process. I just gotta continue to just focus on being the best Deshaun Watson I can be for this organization.”
Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler who turns 27 in September, missed the entirety of last season due to a dispute with his team, the Houston Texans, as the allegations against him mounted. He was eventually traded to the Browns, who handed him a fully guaranteed $230m contract. Last month, one of his accusers, Ashley Solis, told HBO that the contract was an insult.
“It’s just like a big screw you,” Solis said. “That’s what it feels like. That we don’t care. He can run and throw, and that’s what we care about.”
