The Cleveland Browns are set to take the field against the Jacksonville Jaguars and, for the first time in a long time, QB Deshaun Watson is talking to someone in the media.
Watson spoke at his introductory press conference and once during minicamp. Each time he made it clear that he did not disrespect any women. During his introduction, he noted that counseling wasn’t something he believed he needed.
Judge Sue Robinson suspended Watson for six games but the NFL has decided to appeal that suspension. Roger Goodell has appointed Peter Harvey to hear that appeal.
One of the notes in Robinson’s decision was that Watson had not shown remorse for his decisions. Just moments before getting on the bus to go to the stadium, Watson spoke to Aditi Kinkhabwala, the newest member of the team’s media staff, and apologized for the first time:
Deshaun spoke with Aditi Kinkhabwala ahead of starting tonight's game in Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/9kuHxI9ULh
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 12, 2022
He also noted that he wants to “continue counseling.”
A full transcript of Watson’s quick comments can be found below:
For the first time, Deshaun Watson apologizes to the women who have accused him of inappropriate sexual misconduct. On the #Browns pregame show, he tells @AKinkhabwala: “I want to say that I’m truly sorry to all of the women that I have impacted…” Transcript of interview: pic.twitter.com/7dDJYVZAav
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) August 12, 2022
Stayed tuned to the Browns Wire Twitter feed for live coverage of tonight’s preseason game and Watson’s debut with the team.