Deshaun Watson Releases Apology To Massage Therapists Accusing Him Of Sexual Assault

Deshaun Watson made his first public apology over a year after allegations of sexual misconduct were raised against him in the form of a civil lawsuit.

As of April 2021, 22 lawsuits were filed against the Cleveland Browns player, but a grand jury did not indict him this spring. As of this August, all but one of the civil cases were settled out of court.

Watson was served a six-day ban to start the 2022 NFL season though he can participate in pre-season games. However, the NFL filed an appeal against the decision in early August, seeking for him to be banned for at least the 2022 season.

He was interviewed by Cleveland News 5 this Friday in Jacksonville before an NFL pre-season game. “I want to say that I’m truly sorry to all the women I’ve impacted in this situation,” Watson began.

He said he would “definitely like to have back” his life prior to his alleged harmful actions but said he would “continue to move forward and grow and learn and show that I am a true person of character.”

“I know I have a lot of work to put in, especially on the field to be able to make sure I’m ready to play whenever that time comes,” Watson also said. “I want to continue counseling. I want to make sure I’m growing as a person, as an individual for my decision-making on and off the field.”

Several massage therapists from different states claimed that Watson made unwanted sexual advances on them while in massage appointments. These reportedly included refusing to cover up his genitals, requesting oral sex and physically trying to guide them to touch his penis or anus. The 22 lawsuits allegedly represented accusations by around 12 women.