Over the last week or so, it’s been widely accepted that Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston would be suspended for the first three regular-season games this upcoming season. Since then, the suspension was made official and Winston has released a statement/apology.
Winston’s statement, in full, said the following:
“The NFL informed me today that I will be suspended for the first three games of the season.
First and foremost, I would like to say I’m sorry to the Uber driver for the position I put you in. It is uncharacteristic of me and I genuinely apologize. In the past 2 1/2 years my life has been filled with experiences, opportunities and events that have helped me grow, mature and learn, including the fact that I have eliminated alcohol from my life.
I know I have to hold myself to a higher standard on and off the field and that I have a responsibility to my family, community, and teammates to live above the platform with which God has blessed me. I apologize to my teammates, the Buccaneers organization and fans for letting them down and for not being able to be out there for the first three games of the season. Although I am disappointed in the NFL’s decision, I understand the NFL’s process, and I embrace this as an opportunity to take advantage of the resources available to help me achieve the goals that I have for myself.
I now look forward to putting this behind me and I will continue to work hard every day to be a positive influence in my community and be the best person, teammate and leader I can be.”
The apology was reported as being part of a negotiation with the NFL; a negotiation that also included the stipulation that Winston would agree to not appeal the three-game suspension.
When BuzzFeed originally reported the initial incident – that the quarterback had groped his Uber driver – Winston flatly denied everything.
The driver of the Uber in question released her own statement following Winston’s apology:
An exclusive statement from the former Uber driver Kate, after the NFL issued a 3 game suspension for QB Jameis Winston for touching her “in an inappropriate and sexual manner without her consent.” pic.twitter.com/mbIcXla4fD
— Talal Ansari (@TalalNAnsari) June 29, 2018
As for the Bucs, they have plenty of questions regarding Winston going forward, but will have to make due with backup journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick for the first three games.
