In March, at his introductory press conference, Cleveland Browns quarterback Desan Watson was asked if he had any regrets. “Um, I mean, I have no regrets.” He said. “Things that came out of the field at the moment surprised me because I didn’t do what these people are complaining about.”
That quote sparked outrage and eventually more legal action was taken against Watson. Since that pressure, two more women have filed civil lawsuits against Watson (bringing the total to 24) and in their case, both have specifically mentioned to Watson that they have no remorse as an incentive to sue them. Tony Buzzby, all 24 female attorneys, told Houston outlet KPRC2 on Monday that he was now working to file two more lawsuits, one of which, Buzzby told CBS Sports, was a woman who was “Forced to come forward” After watching HBO Real sports Watson’s segment, where his attorney Leah Graham was asked if Watson had no regrets, and whether it was still true. “As he testified in his testimony last week, yes, he has no regrets because he did nothing wrong,” Graham told HBO’s Soledad O’Brien.
At the Browns compulsory mini-camp on Tuesday, Watson met with reporters for the first time since his introductory press conference in March. He was asked again if he had any regrets and if he still felt that way. He took the opportunity to try to walk behind some of his provocative comments, but not in the way you might expect. Watson now has regrets, but not because of anything that happened between him and the women in the lawsuit. He only regrets how hard this whole ordeal has been on the “community”.
“I think this question has stimulated a lot of people,” Watson said. “It’s not just women in general, a lot of people in the league, from women to men, and what I’m saying is, yes, I’ve never insulted, disrespected or harassed anyone, but at the same time I understand that I have the community and the people outside me. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, including my family, this company, my locker roommates who need to answer this question, the Cleveland Browns fanbase, men and women all over the world. “The one thing I regret is the impact it has had on so many people and it’s hard to deal with.”
Another reporter asked a follow-up question in an attempt to clear the roundabout non-apology: “But as far as your actions are concerned, do you have any regrets for what you actually did?”
“No, as I said, I never insulted anyone, or I never harassed anyone, I never disrespected anyone or forced anyone to do anything,” Watson replied.
Got it. So if you’re related to Watson, or if you’re a Browns fan, or a teammate, or a man or woman anywhere in the world, Watson is sorry for the impact these lawsuits and lawsuits have had on you.