- Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had his suspension increased from 6 games to 11 for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy amid dozens of accusations of sexual misconduct.
- In a statement, Watson apologized for any "pain" he caused and said he takes "accountability for the decisions I made."
In a statement released on Thursday, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson said he takes "accountability for the decisions I made," in accepting an 11-game suspension from the NFL.
The punishment, which was increased from six games, was for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy. It came after the NFL conducted an investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct by Watson, coming from more than two dozen women. The quarterback was never charged with a crime, and he has settled 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits brought against him.
However, moments after news of Watson's revised suspension broke, Watson spoke to reporters at training camp, where he proclaimed his innocence.
"I have always stood on my innocence and always said that I've never assaulted anyone or disrespected anyone, and I'm going to continue to stand on that," Watson said. "But at the same time, I have to continue to move on with my life and my career, and for us to be able to move forward, I have to be able to take steps and put pride on the side.
"I'm going to continue to stand on my innocence and keep pushing forward. I've always stood on not disrespecting or sexually assaulting anyone."
Watson was accused of making unwanted sexual advances during massage sessions by 30 women, 24 of whom filed lawsuits against Watson. He has settled or agreed to settle 23 of them.
Watson's initial six-game suspension had been determined by Sue L. Robinson, a retired federal judge and the league's disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association. In her report she said the punishment was in line with others handed down to players who had been accused of sexual misconduct.
The NFL, however, appealed the decision two days later. The league was initially seeking a year-long suspension, Commissioner Roger Goodell had told reporters.
In his statement on Thursday, following the news of his 11-game suspension, Watson said, "I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused."
Watson had also publicly apologized for the first time during an interview with Browns media earlier in August.
Asked on Thursday why he apologized if he maintained his innocence, Watson said the feelings of remorse were for "everybody that was affected by this situation." He added that people were "triggered" by the accusations made against him.
On Thursday, Watson's agent insinuated in a tweet that Robinson's decision had been influenced by the NFL.
—David Mulugheta (@DavidMulugheta) August 18, 2022
Watson's actions alleged in the lawsuits took place between March 2020 to March 2021 while he was a member of the Houston Texans. Watson was traded to the Browns in March and given a $230 million contract extension, prompting criticism from the sports world.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said on Thursday that if given the same choice today, even knowing the eventual punishment, the team would still trade for Watson and give him the extension.
"Absolutely," Haslam said. "I think in this country, people deserve second chances. Is he never supposed to play again? Is he no longer supposed to be part of society?"
Haslam added: "I think it's important to remember, Deshaun is 26 years old, okay? And is a high-level NFL quarterback."