Deshaun Watson finally apologizes for his actions

Before Deshaun Watson made his debut with the Cleveland Browns, he issued an apology to the women who have accused him of sexual misconduct

On Friday night, Deshaun Watson takes the field for the Cleveland Browns. It will be his first action since January of 2021 — and the first time he played since being accused of 24 acts of sexual misconduct.

Watson has been adamant that he has done nothing wrong, which goes against some of the comments made by the Browns ownership. However, that’s finally changing as Watson has apologized for his actions for the first time.

While speaking with reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala ahead of the team’s game with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Watson said he was “truly sorry to all the women” who were impacted by his actions.

Deshaun Watson still facing a long suspension

It’s a positive step for Watson to begin to show some remorse but there’s still a long way to go before he will be forgiven — if that even can happen.

As for his status in the NFL, he’s also still awaiting a decision from the league. Watson was originally suspended for six games by an independent arbitrator but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appealed the decision from Judge Sue L. Robinson.

Now, with Peter Harvey in charge of the ruling, Watson is reportedly trying to settle with the league again. He’s made it known he would be willing to take an eight-game ban with a hefty fine.

A settlement would be in the best interest of both parties since it would put the discussion behind them and keep things out of the courtroom. The NFLPA has threatened to take the league to federal court and while it’s likely they could win the case, the league surely wants to move forward.

Perhaps this change of tune from Watson could help in that regard.