Deshaun Watson: Cleveland Browns quarterback declines to acknowledge remorse on return from 11-game suspension | NFL News

Deshaun Watson was asked if he regretted his actions when he returned from an 11-game suspension; The Cleveland Browns quarterback was booed in his first game since January 2021 on Sunday.

Deshaun Watson refused to admit if he was sorry for his behavior when he returned from suspension to make his season debut for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

The player was suspended for 11 games, paid $5m and given counseling and treatment after more than a dozen women accused him of sexual assault and other sexual misconduct in massage parlors during his time with the Houston Texans.

Watson, who has denied any wrongdoing throughout the process, dismissed 23 of the 24 charges against him over the summer, when he was indicted by a grand jury.

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Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans highlights from Week 13 of the NFL season

The league appealed Watson’s original six-game ban for an extension, after describing his conduct as “egregious” and “exploitative”. Watson was asked if he had any regrets about what led to his comments.

“That’s what, legally and medically, we have already answered. And they don’t want me to talk about anything like this,” he said. “Of course, it was difficult. The suspension was difficult. But at the same time, my main goal is just to try to be 1-0 as a player today.

“I was happy to get back on the field today. I did everything that was asked of me and what I was supposed to do. I did everything. And I was able to play and stay on the field today.”

Earlier this week Watson refused to answer non-football questions about his suspension.

He was heavily criticized by fans in Sunday’s win over the Texans, where Watson completed 12 of 22 passes for 131 yards and looked in his first game since January 2021 after sitting out all of last season.

“He must be crying,” Watson said. “I’m Cleveland Brown now, and we’re on the road, so he’s got to cry.”

Watson was traded to the Browns in March earlier this year before signing a five-year, $230m guaranteed contract.

Bell: I don’t want to see him

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The Sky Sports NFL team discusses the return of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson following his 11-game suspension for sexual misconduct. Watson has denied any wrongdoing

Sky Sports NFL’s Jason Bell…

“I love the game and I love to celebrate the players, what they have to go through. But I can’t enjoy anything he does, I don’t want to see him anymore.

“I have never heard anything like this about a football player or a game and wherever he goes there are protests and there should be.

“Because they’re letting everyone know that ‘don’t forget, we’re not going to make you feel comfortable.’ This is what he will have to go through throughout his career.

“They brought him and guaranteed him all the money to bring them the Championship. We understand how the locker room is, you have to have confidence and a lot of respect to go there and be a successful team. I don’t know how it happens, I don’t know how the players do it.”