Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, after months of proclaiming he did nothing wrong, apologized to women who were “affected” by his behavior in a televised interview before his preseason debut Friday night. After the game, Watson had nothing to add. Via Jake Trotter of ESPN.com, Watson declined to comment on his apology or look further into the situation. Watson’s sudden reversal comes at a time when rumors are rampant about a possible settlement with the NFL. Appeals officer Peter Harvey has yet to rule, nine days after the league exercised its right under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and Personal Conduct Policy to seek a longer suspension than the six-game ban imposed by Judge Sue L. Robinson. The policy calls for expediting the appeals process, but does not contain a deadline for a decision. A source explained Friday that Harvey is delaying the decision to give the NFL and the NFL Players Association a chance to reach a compromise. The championship at the moment has all the cards. However, a settlement would avoid a potential challenge to the suspension in federal court. The NFL is likely hoping to avoid arguments that would compare the punishment meted out to Watson to the discipline (or lack thereof) experienced by owners for actual or potential violations. According to the Personal Conduct Policy, owners are supposed to be held to a higher standard. Judge Robinson found that Watson had committed four counts of non-violent sexual assault. These findings are binding for the appeal process. It also found he had not been honest with investigators and described the behavior as “unbelievable” and “predatory”. Watson is reportedly willing to accept eight games and a $5 million fine. The question is whether he would go higher in either division to resolve the situation – and whether the league will drop below the potential 12-game mark.
