Earlier today a report came out that accused the star quarterback of groping a female Uber driver. This is the first black mark on the young quarterback’s NFL career.
So far, the NFL and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are investigating the situation involving Jameis Winston and a female Uber driver. Winston’s reps released a statement early in the day.
We categorically deny this allegation. It is our understanding the Uber driver was unable to identify the specific individual who allegedly touched this driver inappropriately. The only reason his name is being dragged in to this is that his Uber account was used to call the ride.
March 2016, Arizona
During a trip to Arizona in the offseason of 2016, Jameis Winston and a few friends reportedly ordered an Uber. It was during that drive that Jameis is accused of grouping the female driver, while they were in a fast food drive thru.
The Buccaneers organization then later released a statement.
We are in the process of obtaining further information regarding today’s media report. We take these matters seriously and are fully supportive of the investigation that is being conducted by the NFL.
A familiar accusation
In January of 2014, Winston, then, the starting quarterback at FSU was accused of rape by a fellow student. The case would eventually settle out of court for an estimated $950,000. Many things have been said as to why the case never went to trial, all of them pure speculation. The option of settling out of court could show to some the existence of guilt, but lets remember he was never convicted.
It was never proven.
Pump the breaks
You have been watching these events transpire on all forms of social media. Every kind of response you can imagine is on display for all to see, but the one that really lights a fire inside me is that “Oh he’s done this before”.
Has he? Can you 100% prove that he has done this before?
People are so quick to convict someone before the facts have been presented.
Was Winston in that car in Arizona? Probably, after all, it was his Uber account that requested the ride.
Was he in the front seat? Unless you were in the car you don’t know.
So unfortunately, if this were to go to a trial, it becomes he said – she said. For now, without photographic or video evidence, it cannot be proven. Most Uber drivers don’t have cameras in their cars.
She did file a report after the ride ended – as Uber drivers are suppose to do.
My closing argument
The fact of the whole matter is, you don’t know the facts. Let’s not convict the guy just yet.
Could it have happened? Sure, there is a chance, but could it also be completely false? Absolutely it could be. That’s why you need to calm down and let the NFL and Buccaneers organization do their investigations.
For the Tampa Bay community, Winston has been nothing short of an amazing human being. He even proved me wrong with the way he is in and around the community. Given that he choose to do countless events for charity around the area, lets not convict him until all the facts are out there.
