Watson’s apology came nine days after the NFL announced it was appealing a six-game suspension for sexual harassment handed down by former federal judge Sue L. Robinson, with the league seeking either a one-season suspension or a shorter suspension with a significant fine. . The appeal is now in the hands of former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, who was appointed arbitrator in the case by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. With that decision looming, the Browns still opted to start Watson in their preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday. During the Browns’ pregame show, Watson was interviewed by reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala and responded to Robinson’s claim that he had expressed no remorse during the proceedings: Watson’s question and answer: Kinkhabwala: “As you say this, your eligibility is still in question, and although this appeal is ongoing, I have to ask you, the original decision by Judge Sue Robinson made a very specific point that a lack of remorse played a role in her taking decisions. It was a part of the narrative that surrounds you. What’s your answer to that?” Watson: “Look, I want to say that I’m really sorry for all the women that I’ve affected in this situation. The decisions that I’ve made in my life that have put me in this position, I certainly wish I could take them back, but I want to move on to move forward and grow and learn and show that I am a true man of character and I will continue to move forward.” Watson added that he plans to spend his time away from the game continuing his advice and “growing as a person, as a decision-maker on and off the field.” He also said he’s “not sure when the next time I’ll be able to get out there.” Any expression of regret is new for Watson and his camp, who have long insisted that his encounters with dozens of massage therapists were consensual. Even at the Browns’ induction conference, he refused to apologize as the team circled him in their wagons. Deshaun Watson’s fate is still up in the air. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
