Deshaun Watson says he's 'truly sorry to all of the women that I have impacted'

By Steve Almasy, CNN

Updated 0147 GMT (0947 HKT) August 13, 2022

Deshaun Watson spoke to a reporter before playing his first game for the Cleveland Browns, a preseason contest in Jacksonville, Florida.

(CNN)Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who started Friday's preseason game in Florida against the Jacksonville Jaguars, said in a pregame interview that he is «truly sorry to all of the women that I have impacted.»

The interview was shared by the Browns on Twitter and conducted by a reporter for CNN affiliate WEWS's «Browns Countdown.»«I want to say that I'm truly sorry to all of the women that I have impacted in this situation,» Watson said. «My decisions that I made in my life that put me in this position I would definitely like to have back, but I want to continue to move forward and grow and learn and show that I am a true person of character and I am going to keep pushing forward.»Before the short interview, Watson repeatedly denied allegations of misconduct, including sexual assault and harassment involving more than two dozen women. He did not elaborate in the interview on what he meant when he said «this situation.»

Deshaun spoke with Aditi Kinkhabwala ahead of starting tonight's game in Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/9kuHxI9ULh

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) <a href=«https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1558221792048717824?ref_src=» https:>August 12, 2022The NFL announced last week that it would appeal a decision by former federal judge Sue L. Robinson to sit Watson without pay for six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy when he was with the Houston Texans. The league had been pushing for at least a full-season suspension instead.Read MoreIn her written ruling, Robinson cited Watson's «lack