JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Deshaun Watson apologized before his preseason debut with the Cleveland Browns and then got an earful from opposing fans.
Watson apologized Friday “to all the women I’ve influenced” after being accused by two dozen women of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.
Potentially facing a one-year suspension, Watson publicly expressed remorse and remorse for the first time since being accused of sexually harassing or assaulting women during therapy sessions in 2020 and 2021.
He spoke before the team’s performance, a 24-13 win at Jacksonville (0-2) in which Watson was booed during three plays. Fans in one end zone could be heard chanting profanities at Watson during his first drive.
The three-time Pro Bowler completed 1 of 5 passes for 7 yards in his first game since Jan. 3, 2021, with Houston.
Deshaun Watson fumbles during the first quarter of the Browns’ 24-13 preseason win over the Jaguars. Getty Images
“I think he probably wants some returns,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Obviously playing football for the first time in a while, I thought it was important for him to come out with his teammates in this scheme. I’m sure he had the butterflies and the jitters early on. But I think he understands what he’s going through.”
Watson missed first downs and 7 yards while playing without receiver Amari Cooper, running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt and offensive linemen Joel Bitonio and Jack Conklin. Starting center Nick Harris, filling in for NFLPA president and salary cap hitter JC Tretter, went down in the second game with a right knee injury.
Harris will be evaluated Saturday to determine the extent of his injury, Stefanski said.
Cleveland trailed 13-0 when Watson’s night ended. He spent much of the second half sitting on a cooler by the sideline chewing gum. If he made any strides, they came before kickoff.
“Look, I mean, I’m really sorry to all the women that I’ve affected in this situation,” Watson said in the pregame interview. “The decisions that I made in my life that put me in this position I definitely wish I could take back, but I want to keep moving forward and growing and learning and showing that I’m a real person of character and you’re going to forward.”
Deshaun Watson throws a pass during the Browns’ preseason win. USA TODAY Sports
The team declined to make Watson available after the game.
Watson, who denied any wrongdoing while settling 23 of 24 civil cases, still faces discipline from the league. The NFL is appealing the six-game suspension of independent arbitrator Sue L. Robinson. The retired federal judge concluded that Watson violated the league’s personal conduct policy with “indecent” and “predatory” behavior. As part of his ruling, Robinson noted Watson’s lack of remorse.
The appeal is now before Peter C. Harvey, a former New Jersey attorney general appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Meanwhile, Watson can practice and play. Stefanski said he wants to get Watson to play in the preseason despite the pending suspension.
“It’s been something we’ve talked about over the last couple of months, weeks, just trying to figure out what’s the best way forward for — not just our quarterbacks — but the whole team,” he said.
Watson entered TIAA Bank Field with a security guard by his side and later stopped to sign autographs after warmups. No anti-Watson protests were found outside the stadium, although a few cars with nasty graffiti could be seen ripping the struggling quarterback.
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