Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston is under investigation for allegedly groping an Uber driver in 2016. Buzzfeed released an article detailing the NFL’s investigation into the incident.
From the letter sent by the NFL’s special counsel for investigations Lisa Friel to the Uber driver: pic.twitter.com/51jguF62aD
— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) November 17, 2017
Ian Rapoport has also shared more information on what is happening in the NFL.
The article from @BuzzFeed alleges Jameis Winston was the only passenger in the car. Winston and his reps say no. I listened to the original voicemail from “Chris” from Uber stating “you or someone else in your vehicle” engaged in inappropriate behavior.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2017
The voicemail to #Bucs QB Jameis Winston from a person IDing himself as Chris from the Uber office — which I have listened to — is one reason Winston’s reps show multiple people were in the car. There is no known video of the incident
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2017
The Buccaneers released a statement today in response to the investigation.
Bucs statement on the Winston matter pic.twitter.com/FOPBHWCLda
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 17, 2017
Winston also released an official statement denying the allegations.
“A news organization has published a story about me regarding an alleged incident involving a female Uber driver from approximately two years ago,” Winston said in the statement. “The story falsely accuses me of making inappropriate contact with this driver. I believe the driver was confused as to the number of passengers in the car and who was sitting next to her. The accusation is false, and given the nature of the allegation and increased awareness and consideration of these types of matters, I am addressing this false report immediately. At the time of the alleged incident, I denied the allegations to Uber, yet they still decided to suspend my account.I am supportive of the national movement to raise awareness and develop better responses to the concerns of parties who find themselves in these types of situations, but this accusation is false. While I am certain that I did not make any inappropriate contact, I don’t want to engage in a battle with the driver and I regret if my demeanor or presence made her uncomfortable in any way
This is not the first time Winston has been wrapped up in controversy. He was accused of sexually assaulting a Florida State in 2012. These allegations were investigated but the case was eventually dropped in December 2013.
Winston is currently sitting out with a shoulder injury. It is unknown when exactly he would be eligible to play again. More information surrounding the league’s investigation should become available in the coming weeks.
