Deshaun Watson doubles down on defense, expresses regret for previous wording
Deshaun Watson was made available to the media for the first time since his introductory press conference with the Cleveland Browns, and was bombarded with a litany of questions regarding his ongoing legal troubles, and his football future.
Earlier this year, Watson caught flack for some comments he made, stating that he “never disrespected any woman” and had “no regrets” as it pertained to his actions.
“I’ve never disrespected any woman. I was raised to be genuine and to respect everyone around me,” Watson stated, during his introductory press conference. “.. I don’t have any regrets. Like I said, the things off the field right now that came up caught me by surprise because I never did anything that these people are alleging.”
During the aforementioned media scrum, the former Clemson quarterback doubled down on his defense — but expressed regret for the wording of some previous answers.
“I think that question kind of triggered a lot of people,” began Watson, regarding his answer. “Not just woman in general, but a lot of people in the league. From woman, to males and things like that. What I would say is yes, I’ve never assaulted, harassed or disrespected anyone. But at the same time, I do understand that I do have regrets as far as the impact that it’s had on the community, and people outside of just myself.
“That includes my family, that includes this organization, that includes my teammates in this locker room that has to answer to these questions. That includes the fanbase of the Cleveland Browns, that includes males, females, everyone across the world. So, that’s one thing I do regret, the impact that it has triggered on so many people. It’s tough to have to do it.”
The NFL has still yet to make a decision regarding the length of a suspension for Deshaun Watson, but new cases coming to light and other untied loose ends are making the situation increasingly difficult to gauge. Time will tell how it works out, but regardless it doesn’t seem like the questions surrounding the Browns quarterback will simply disappear.
Report: Deshaun Watson suspension could range from four to 10 games
Continuing, NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport said on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday that the NFL should have an answer for the Browns about Watson’s punishment heading into training camp.
“The idea is that the Browns would know before they start training camp,” said Rapaport. “In late June or early July, the NFL has had a series of fine and suspensions then. That would be the perfect time to do it. You could also do it right before training camp but I think the information that is out there now is what it is.”
When asked about the length of the suspension, Rapaport was less confident in an answer. While there’s the public information to consider, the league’s own private investigation will play a role. The time frame could shift, but Rapaport’s best guess was between four and 10 games for a Watson suspension.
“I can’t make a real guess because I have the information that’s public but I don’t have the information that’s not. I don’t know what (Watson) said in the depositions. Many any of the people involved are believing and anticipating that it will be some time off the field. I would be surprised at this point if it’s just a fine,” he said. “Is it four (games) or six or eight or ten? Probably somewhere in there, but that’s an unbelievable, drastic difference based on the percentage of the season. I really do not know and I don’t think Roger Goodell knows either.”
After trading for Watson from the Houston Texans, Cleveland went all in on the former Clemson Tiger. They signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract upon his arrival, the largest guaranteed deal in league history. With such an investment in Watson, Cleveland can now only watch as the events unfold from both the courts and the NFL League Office.