In what was an expected move, the NFL has officially suspended Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback Jameis Winston for the first three games of the 2018 season.
Thursday’s ruling comes after an NFL investigation that found Winston violated the league’s personal conduct policy during an incident in March 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona. A female Uber driver accused the fourth-year Bucs quarterback of inappropriate touching.
Bucs statement
The Buccaneers organization released a statement via their official website and stated both their belief that all members of the organization are to conduct themselves in accordance with the policy and that they are disappointed in their young Quarterback.
All members of our organization are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Personal Conduct Policy of the NFL. We are disappointed that Jameis put himself in a position that has been found to violate the policy and accept today’s decision by the Commissioner.
Winston himself was apologetic for putting the Uber driver in the comprising position, as he commented in a story released today via USA today online.
While Winston serves his suspension, the organization will look to rely on the veteran talents of Ryan Fitzpatrick once again and fans will have ample opportunity to watch recently drafted talent at training camp and during pre-season play in a few short months.
When Winston returns, he’ll look to get back to form as long-term contract negotiations aren’t far off. The organization will surely do their due diligence as it relates to a long term deal and what direction they’ll take as they look to the future.
Here’s the official statement from the NFL:
BUCCANEERS’ JAMEIS WINSTON SUSPENDED FOR FIRST THREE REGULAR-SEASON GAMES FOR VIOLATION OF NFL PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICY
JAMEIS WINSTON of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was notified today by NFL Special Counsel for Conduct TODD JONES that he has been suspended without pay for the Buccaneers’ first three regular-season games for a violation of the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.
In November 2017, the NFL learned of an incident involving Winston and a shared-ride service driver that had taken place in March 2016 in Scottsdale, AZ. The incident, which had been immediately reported by the driver to her employer and which resulted in Winston’s removal from the ride-sharing platform, was also publicly reported last November.
The league promptly initiated a comprehensive investigation that included interviews with several persons, including the driver, Winston and others with relevant information. The league also examined an extensive amount of other evidence, including telephone records, business records, data from electronic devices and other communications. Based on the investigation, the NFL found that Winston had violated the NFL Personal Conduct Policy, which allows for discipline to be imposed even when criminal charges are not presented.
In his letter advising Winston of the suspension, Jones stated after full consideration of the record, including a meeting with Winston and his representatives, and a written submission by his attorneys, that the driver’s account of the incident was consistent and credible. As a result, the investigation had concluded that Winston violated the Personal Conduct Policy by touching the driver in an inappropriate and sexual manner without her consent and that disciplinary action was necessary and appropriate.
As part of the discipline, Winston is also required to obtain a clinical evaluation and fully cooperate in any recommended program of therapeutic intervention. A failure either to obtain the evaluation or to cooperate with treatment will result in further discipline. In addition, a future violation of the Personal Conduct Policy will result in more substantial discipline, including a potential ban from the NFL.
Winston has advised the league office that he accepts this discipline. His suspension therefore will take effect as of the final roster reduction on September 1 and he will be eligible to return on September 25 following the Buccaneers’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Winston may participate in all of his club’s preseason activities, including games.
