In a new interview Friday, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson apologized to "all of the women I have impacted in this situation" after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual abuse.
Why it matters: This is the first time Watson has apologized to the women, as he has said in two previous interviews that he had "no regrets" regarding any of his actions, according to ESPN.
Hundreds of former Black players whose dementia tests were rescored to eliminate racial bias now qualify for awards as part of the league's $1 billion concussion settlement, AP reports.
Why it matters: The newly approved payouts are a victory for NFL families in the decade-long legal saga over concussions, per AP.
Massachusetts on Wednesday became the 36th state (plus Washington, D.C.) to legalize sports betting after Gov. Charlie Baker signed the bill into law.
State of play: Betting isn't actually operational there yet, and perhaps won't be until 2023, as it's one of six states that's legalized but not yet solidified regulations and licensing. The other five: Maine, Ohio, Nebraska, Kansas and Florida.
With a No. 2 preseason ranking and Heisman favorite C.J. Stroud under center, interest in Ohio State football is through the roof ahead of the season, which begins in just two weeks.
State of play: For the first time ever, the Buckeyes are the most in-demand team in college football based on cumulative ticket sales as of Aug. 12, per exclusive data provided by StubHub.