Quarterback Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns is introduced by general manager Andrew Berry (L) and head coach Kevin Stefanski during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Get BEREA, Ohio - Deshaun Watson maintained his innocence and strongly denied committing any sexual misconduct despite allegations made by 22 women against the Cleveland Browns' new starting quarterback.Wearing a dark pinstriped suit and orange tie at his introductory news conference on Friday, Watson showed little emotion while saying he's done nothing illegal."I've never assaulted or disrespected or harassed a woman in my life," Watson said, flanked at the dais inside the team's headquarters by Browns general manager Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski. "That's not how I was raised.
I've never done these things people are alleging."It was the first time Watson has answered direct questions about the allegations, which first surfaced in March 2021.
Watson didn't play last season for the Houston Texans as the cases mounted.For nearly 40 minutes, Watson was asked about his character, the charges against him and how he'll attempt to rebuild his image.
He understands there are people who will never believe him."I know that there’s going to be a stain that probably is going to stick with me for awhile, but all I can do is keep moving forward and to continue to show the person that I am, the true character, the true person, the true human being I am," the 26-year-old said."I never done the things that these people are alleging and I’m going to continue to fight for my name and clear my name and like I’ve been doing, just cooperate with everything that comes with it."PREVIOUS: 2nd.