The NFL has suspended Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston for the first three games of the 2018 season, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. This was the expected outcome after the league wrapped its investigation earlier this month. 
Winston was alleged to have groped an Uber driver back in March 2016. The QB long denied any wrongdoing, but he took at least some responsibility for his actions in a statement issued on Thursday.
“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,” Winston said. “It is uncharacteristic of me and I genuinely apologize. In the past two-and-a-half 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 suspension was the result of the settlement talks between the NFL, NFLPA, and his Winston’s representatives, Albert Breer of The MMQB (on Twitter) hears. That means there will be no appeal on Winston’s behalf. Per league rules, Winston will be able to participate in team activities, including the preseason, until the suspension begins in September.
The three-game ban will keep Winston off of the field as the Buccaneers start the season against the Saints, Eagles, and Steelers. Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will try to navigate the team through those difficult games before Winston is eligible to return in Week 4 against the Bears.
well if you get caught you pay the penalty
Too short of a suspension in my opinion.
I think so too! Don’t worry, this low-life scumbag will do it again
and hopefully next time, get banned for life! Once a dirtbag , always a dirtbag!
And what about Roethlisberger?
If he did it
and it was proven, then he should be kicked out too. Then he’s a POS as well !
He should now sue in federal court! Seems to be the playbook
It was a settlement, meaning both sides agreed to it. They halved the suspension in exchange for the agreement. Any such agreement would also include language that you forego your right to any type of appeal as a condition. As a result, that play is no longer in the book.
Thanks!
I guess the small positive Bucs fans can take out of this is they were unlikely to win any of those game even with Jameis.
I am glad this POS isn’t on my team. Multiple sexual assault charges is enough for me not to want him even if he was a better QB. I still think he was guilty of the 1st one. Too much hanky panky with the evidence from what I remember.
The problem is if the Bucs let him go teams will be lined up to sign him. It is sad to reward his actions unless he has actually grown up. Then I would like to see him sit on a bench for a year and be humbled.
Who wrote his reply?
Right!? It was terrific. I’m betting Winston wrote it and had his PR edited it.
Still not sure I like this new rule of… “even if it doesn’t get a conviction in court, we are still going to suspend you.” But I am glad to hear Winston take responsibility for the matter and no longer use alcohol.