The final Deshaun Watson ruling is out. The controversial quarterback is slated to miss the first 11 games of the season but will be back playing football in just a few months. While his punishment is already settled – an increase from the original six-game ban – Watson continues to assert that while he is willing to serve the sentence, that doesn't mean he's guilty.

In his immediate reaction to the media following the announcement of the revised punishment, Deshaun Watson did offer an apology but still stands firm on his innocence. He accepted the final punishment without pushback particularly because that puts an end date to the ongoing saga he's gone through for over a year – and not because he did anything wrong.

Via Mike Garofolo:

Deshaun Watson on why he accepted a settlement if he claims he’s innocent: “I’ve always been able to stand on my innocence and always said I never assaulted or disrespected anyone but at the same point I have to continue to push forward with my life and career.”

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Browns News
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Former Browns first-round OL makes big decision on 2025 campaignDouglas Fritz ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) listens to the play calling on the sideline during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders blasts negative pre-draft rumors around Shedeur SandersPreston Byers ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett gestures to rookie Shedeur Sanders during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Browns rumors: This Cleveland QB predicted to be traded before training camp, per NFL insiderZachary Weinberger ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Shedeur Sanders gets ‘elite’ evaluation from Browns reporterRichard Pereira ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Browns’ Shedeur Sanders gets very disappointing update in campMalik Brown ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett, left, chats with quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Insider suggests Browns schedule will be factor in starting QB battleZachary Weinberger ·

The apology, Watson claims, isn't for any particular wrongdoings on his part but rather “for everybody that was affected” pointing to the handful of people “triggered” by the scandal that he's been right at the center of.

Deshaun Watson on why he’s apologizing then: “For everybody that was affected by this situation. There were a lot of people that were triggered.”

If all holds true, Deshaun Watson will make his return to the field against his former team, the Houston Texans, as the Browns' twelfth opponent during Week 13 of the regular season. Expect that one to be a much-watch contest and not solely for the football.