Licht Says He Won’t Talk About The NFL Investigation Into Jameis Winston
February 28th, 2018
GM Jason Licht was talking today
UPDATED 10:38 a.m. – We’re now in Month 4 of the NFL investigation into Jameis Winston for allegedly crotch-grabbing a female Uber driver without permission, and nobody important seems to think Buccaneers fans are worthy of a speedy resolution or an update.
Joe’s simply calling it straight.
General manger Jason Licht was at the NFL Scouting Combine podium this morning holding his annual news conference there.
He was asked about the investigation and quickly shut down the chatter. The Bucs are “cooperating,” Licht said, and that’s all he’s going to say.
Licht also was asked directly whether the Buccaneers have launched their own investigation or is just letting the league handle it. “Cooperating with the league,” Licht replied.
Maybe Bucs fans don’t have a right to know anything. But fans are asked to live the Bucs life every day and commit their cash and hearts to the team.
The face of the franchise, essentially, is on trial by the league and a guilty verdict (whether he did anything or not) would have massive ramifications. So Joe thinks it would be reasonable for Licht, the NFL or somebody with knowledge who cares about Bucs fans to provide an update that amounts to more than none of your business.
***Licht later in the morning said he doesn’t know if Jameis has been interviewed by the NFL in the course of the investigation.
February 28th, 2018 at 10:35 am
Hmmm. Ink Ryan Fitzpatrick, not Glennon, come March 14th.
Go Bucs!
February 28th, 2018 at 10:37 am
This is the problem with the NFL no one actually cares about the fans. That is fairly clear and this situation makes it more clear than ever. It is all about $$$$$$$$$$$.
February 28th, 2018 at 10:41 am
Sure as heck gon’ raise those prices tho and expect us to take it up the @ss with a please and thank you.
Not renewing my tix. No accountability – garbage defense (sorry Hayes might have been PART of the problem, but he was not ALL of the problem)
And of course, us bucs fans have NO right to know whats going on with our team. BS
February 28th, 2018 at 10:41 am
This is biggest load of a crap response I have ever seen. This franchise is an embarrassment and clearly doesn’t care about its fans……and they had the nerve to raise tickets prices?!?!
February 28th, 2018 at 10:44 am
Still gonna root for my team but this ownership is p!ssing me off and they deserve the low fan attendance and ticket sales that they are going to get this year
February 28th, 2018 at 10:44 am
He should not talk about investigation it just gives credibility to another gold digging lying skank trying to cash in. Innocent until PROVEN guilty. Start holding these PC liars accountable for trying to take advantage of a wealthy quality young men like Jameis
February 28th, 2018 at 10:46 am
Season ticket holder here and with responses like that definitely shows they don’t care about the fans. Almost as if they already know he will be suspended but don’t want to tell fans so they can still sell tickets for a season that will probably be meaningless. It’s all in their best interest. Sucks. Go Bucs!
February 28th, 2018 at 10:51 am
Being the Bucs, the NFL will slap a 6 game suspension on Jameis in late August. The Bucs management will be caught off guard by this, after having let Fitzpatrick sign elsewhere and signing some Division II rookie QB to compete with Griffin for the back up spot. So Ryan Griffin will lead the Bucs to 0-6 start to really fire up the fan base. A new GM, coaching and operational staff will be named in early 2019.
It’s not the difficult to see how this will go.
February 28th, 2018 at 10:54 am
Baker Mayfield with the 7th pick, of America’s QB is suspended!
Can’t have a suspended player on our team anymore. Too much risk, and it torpedos our teams chances.
February 28th, 2018 at 10:57 am
Stevek still an idiot ^^^
February 28th, 2018 at 10:59 am
There’s nothing to investigate.
No formal complaint. No law enforcement involvement. No official interview of those involved at the time it happened. No evidence whatsoever.
What – is King Goodell gonna bring the uber chick in – question her – question Jameis and then render a “judgement”? LOL Good thing he has full and legal subpoena power…
Please – this is all just ridiculous. For the NFL to have ever said they were opening an “investigation” of this 18 month old “incident” in the 1st place was just utter nonsense. Especially since “news” of the 18 month old “incident” came forward in TMZ style fashion only AFTER the girl hired a very familiar lawyer.
No wonder nobody working in the NFL wants to talk about it. There’s literally nothing to talk about. They have to let sufficient time pass before admitting there’s nothing to it and that Winston is in the clear.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:01 am
They should make her pay everything she is suing Jameis over if he is not proven guilty. Only then will these gold diggers get a hint and stop chasing a quick payday.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:05 am
The way this “investigation” is moving should make Bucs’ fans nervous. The Panthers’ GM got cleared within three weeks. This continues to drag on with no updates. The fact that the their is chatter about bringing back Mike Glennon should scare us even more. I think a hammer might fall on Jameis, and it may not happen until much closer to the actual season. Oh boy.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:06 am
its just really unfair. NFL, do your investigation and pass down your verdict and lets be done. For it to drag out is a bunch of crap.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:07 am
Now that I say that, not even sure she is suing. Sounds like this is simply Goodell swinging his big stick because “he can.”
February 28th, 2018 at 11:07 am
@stevek… I love baker mayfield, but is the guy on video running from the cops and being arrested the pick you want? Lets stick with Jameis.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:09 am
Perhaps the league doesn’t see this as a giant issue and/or unresolvable. Or, maybe they just hope it will be forgotten about and they’re trying not to continue swirling up media attention.
My call to you Joe is this – stop talking about it. If we keep drumming it up ourselves, it won’t go away. I cringe every time I see an article published on here on this topic.
Perhaps Jameis and the league sees this as a matter that can be resolved privately without the league interfering. Either way, I’ve heard enough about it.
My favorite theory is – the Panthers, being in cohorts with the commissioner, have a plan to keep the Bucs out of contention. Stinking Panthers…
February 28th, 2018 at 11:19 am
BetterBuccinBelieveIt Says:
February 28th, 2018 at 10:35 am
Hmmm. Ink Ryan Fitzpatrick, not Glennon, come March 14th.
Go Bucs!
Agree whole heartedly!! but can we ink that deal at a fair price? i hope so
February 28th, 2018 at 11:20 am
Disappointing response by Licht but really, did any of you expect anything different?
February 28th, 2018 at 11:23 am
Doesn’t sound good to me.
Why would Licht completely distance himself from it to the point of not even knowing whether an interview has taken place.
Best guess is he wants nothing to do with it when the hammer drops.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:24 am
I agree with every other fan who is feeling like we are getting treated as if we don’t deserve to know. I am a season ticket holder with club seats and I am SERIOUSLY considering sitting this season out. I am actually going to call my rep n tell them if we are not given a REAL answer by the draft then they can go ahead and consider my 4 seats available. Love my Bucs and even through tough times I try to be optimistic, but this is a big slap in the face.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:28 am
Mr. Ed Says:
February 28th, 2018 at 10:51 am
Being the Bucs, the NFL will slap a 6 game suspension on Jameis in late August. The Bucs management will be caught off guard by this, after having let Fitzpatrick sign elsewhere and signing some Division II rookie QB to compete with Griffin for the back up spot. So Ryan Griffin will lead the Bucs to 0-6 start to really fire up the fan base. A new GM, coaching and operational staff will be named in early 2019.
***************************************************************
I AGREE!!!!!!!…..
you forgot to include that, “A new GM, coaching and operational staff will be named in early 2019” and will have the chance to draft an impact player with the 1st overall pick……
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!!…..GO BUCS!!!!!!
February 28th, 2018 at 11:28 am
Jolly Bucs Fan Says:
February 28th, 2018 at 10:57 am
Stevek still an idiot ^^^
—————-
“jolly” Bucs fan my ass!
So you’re ok with a suspended QB, and having our season torpedoed before it ever gets started?
We can afford to have a suspended player, especially at a vital position like QB.
Please feel free to elaborate your counter opinion, bc you come
Across as a Freemanite or Lovie Sycophant, hurling insults and not explaining your counter opinion.
Carry on, 🐑 sheep!
February 28th, 2018 at 11:39 am
Is there a link to view Licht’s presser today anywhere? ?
February 28th, 2018 at 11:44 am
Article 100,567,284,014 about the Uber thing, meanwhile JW and Titus O’Neil take hundreds of kids to see a Black Panther for free and crickets.
With fans like you who needs enemies?
February 28th, 2018 at 11:54 am
Honestly, J0E, I don’t care how long they take. It may not be official yet, but the odds are high for Jameis to be suspended at least 4 games. I realize you can’t just assume it will be that way, so it ties your hands a little, but almost everyone knows it…except those who think Goodell doesn’t have absolute power.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:57 am
Miken,
Good points. To my knowledge mayfield was not suspended for offending women. This would be the second incident, is suspended, for Jameis.
Not to mention the dumb ass shove of Lattimore last year.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:58 am
DB55 Says:
February 28th, 2018 at 11:44 am
Article 100,567,284,014 about the Uber thing, meanwhile JW and Titus O’Neil take hundreds of kids to see a Black Panther for free and crickets.
With fans like you who needs enemies?
————————-
That’s fantastic! Now Jameis needs to be eligible to play 16 games barring injury, not stupidity.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:59 am
SteveK Says:
“So you’re ok with a suspended QB, and having our season torpedoed before it ever gets started?”
You are assuming we won’t win any games with a backup quarterback. Odds are good that if Jameis is suspended, it will only be for 4 games because there will be no proof of guilt and it is his first offense.
Fitzpatrick would probably win at least two of those games.
That would mean we’d be 2-2 when Jameis comes back. That is not torpedoeing the season.
February 28th, 2018 at 11:59 am
So using your logic Stevk , i guess the Cowboys should have gotten rid of Elloitt because he was suspended. The Patriots should have gotten rid of Brady because he was suspended. So on and so on, give me a break just admit Stevk your just a hater and no matter what Winston does your unhappy. Who says Winston is even going to get suspended? As far as i can see no police investigation, no evidence that it even happened. Stop being over dramatic and let this non story play out. PS if this comment makes me a sheep, all I’ve got to say is BAAAAAAA.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:01 pm
DanBucsFan,
You should most definitely sit this year out, and let the ticket sales employee know, “With the unknown certainty of Jameis Winston’s suspension, what’s the point of watching another crappy season, headlined by a star player being suspended for off the field nonsense?”
You can also mention, “why buy tickets, when you all didnt pursue Calais Campbell? I guess you’re ok with a crap product in crappier uniforms?”
February 28th, 2018 at 12:01 pm
Sith Lord Goodell… the man of stupid. Simple as that. I agree with what Pickgrin said. The NFL hasn’t said a word about the investigation and there’s no evidence that has come out. I wish they’d just throw the investigation in the garbage. If they convict Jameis, it seems to me that they’ll only have the accusers’ testimony as “evidence”. What baffles me is that if I’m not mistaken, Ronald Darby (Eagles Player) said the accuser was making a false accusation.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:02 pm
We can not afford to have or #1 pick to miss 4-6 games next year, and expect playoffs.
Koetter and Licht night get fired, and it could boil down to Jameis’ shenanigans. 😞
February 28th, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Thanks BB –
Like it or not SteveK, Jameis is here to stay and is our franchise QB. We are not wasting a top 10 talent pick (or a trade back for 2 top 25 picks) to draft an unknown/potential bust rookie QB, for a spot thats already filled with a proven talent who may potentially miss only 4 games.
Be glad you arent paid to work as a GM, cause you quickly would be out of a job bud.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:04 pm
Cowboys should think twice before resigning Zeke, as he disrespected women. Yes, absolutely.
Brady was suspended for suspected cheating, not anything related to disrespecting women or an off the field issue.
Additionally, both of those guys are the top three at their position, and Jameis is the 9th best QB in the NFC (replaceable production).
I also stand by the fact if a player is suspended for disrespect to women, or off the field crap, than Bye Bye!
February 28th, 2018 at 12:05 pm
@SteveK
Again, you are assuming we win no games during his suspension. And it won’t be six games. Goodell suspends in 4, 8 and 16 games groups. Winston will get no more than 4, because he has at least two witnesses.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:08 pm
Jolly,
I want my QB to bust bc they suck on the field, not off the field like Freeman and possibly Winston.
It’s more “ok” for a bust on the field, then a “bust” for off the field nonsense. Off the field nonsense is selfish AF.
Do you prefer to ride with a player with off the field issues, or one that can be coached win on the field issues.
Gotta be able to suit up and be eligible play in order to achieve greatness.
I love Jameis, own his jersey. I expect him to be eligible to play. Off the field shenanigans should get him dismissed.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:10 pm
Bonzai,
Our playoff chances greatly dwindle if Jameis is suspended 4 games, 25% of the season.
Yeah, I’m concerned. I want my fourth year QB, former #1 overall pick, to learn from past mistakes and not get suspended. It’s sabotage to the other 52 players, staff, and any fan investing their dollars/time to watch the Bucs.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:11 pm
THEY SHOULD OF KNEW WINSTON HAD ALOT OF PROBLEMS WHEN THEY DRAFTED HIM NOW THEIR STUCK WITH HIM , TRADE HIS ASS FOR IT’S TO LATE AND KNOW ONE WANTS HIM…. HE IS TROUBLE …….!!!
February 28th, 2018 at 12:12 pm
@SteveK
I pretty much respect your posts for the most part. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders.
That said, you are letting emotions or personal views influence you right now. It also sounds like you are combining Winston’s college issues with your judgment.
The whole Uber thing is a sham. Three witnesses to one, and the driver’s told lies on numerous occasions. The only…and I mean the ONLY reason Winston will get suspended is because of Goodell and his lack of caring for guilt or innocence.
Because on Winston’s college antics, he’s become a target. Perhaps the smartest thing for him to do is always have a witness in public at this point.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:13 pm
If my QB is suspended four games next year, it would be a second offense (first in college).
Additionally, if/when our QB would get in trouble again, than he’s out a year.
Why wait to be let down? Get a talented QB who is going to be eligible to play. QB is the lifeblood position of our team. No QB, no hope.
Fans deserve hope.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:14 pm
SteveK Says
“Bonzai,
Our playoff chances greatly dwindle if Jameis is suspended 4 games, 25% of the season. ”
No our playoff chances dwindle IF we lose all four of those suspended games. If we win them, they do not affect us at all. If we win half of them, they probably will not affect us.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:16 pm
Bonzai,
Thanks for the respect. Back at ya!
I realize the college issues may not have been issues, but I want to raise the pint that when will our QB not put himself in a position to be suspended? Play with fire and you get burnt.
Couldn’t agree more, hire an assistant to witness/keep jameis from these situations. Innocent until proven guilty.
I just can’t stand to watch another Buccaneer QB self destruct with “hope” they’ll get it together.
If Jameis is suspended, draft Mayfield and may the best man win!
February 28th, 2018 at 12:17 pm
Bonzai,
Goin 2-2 in four Jameisless contests is it a recipe for playoffs. .500 results leads to a modeling draft selection, and a great view from the outside looking in to the playoffs.
We can’t afford to iss the playoffs bc our QB’s shenanigans. Can’t do it!
February 28th, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Not a recipe for playoffs*.
Midling draft pack*
Anyone ok wit a suspended QB might as well shout, “hooray mediocrity” bc they is what we will likely see.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:22 pm
Jolly,
To be clear, I love Jameis!
To be clear, I love the Buccaneers more, and not a single person affiliated with the team deserves to have the 2019 season flushed down the toilet because of one individual’s off the field shenanigans.
Do the Glazers look at Koetter and Licht after next year and say, “good try guys, missed the playoffs by a game or two. You all get a pass since Jameis missed 4 games with a suspension”.
I don’t see the fans on here taking that into consideration, and they damn well should as it would have a huge effect on next season’s outcome.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Steve K
Julian Edelman was investigated for sexual assault. No suspension then again The Boston media and fans weren’t throwing him under the bus every opportunity they got.
Furthermore, not 1 but 5 players who played in this years Super Bowl were investigates for sexual assault and again not 1 was suspended.
But keep praying for Jameis’s suspension I’m sure if you pray hard enough you’ll get uyour wish. NOT!!!!
February 28th, 2018 at 12:28 pm
The NFL has had plenty of time to “investigate” what is a very simple case…..”he said, she said”….with perhaps some other evidence that should have been available immediately……it is preposterous to think that the NFL hasn’t even interviewed Jameis.
If the decision on suspension doesn’t come before FA or the draft, the Bucs are in a very bad situation…..this could really hurt Jameis with his contract extension.
Is there a chance that all the coaches were retained because Licht knows a suspension is coming and didn’t want to subject new coaches to it?
There is no way in the world that Jameis should have permitted himself to be even accused….he should have requested a male driver or had a private service….with his history, he has to be far more careful.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:34 pm
DB55 Says:
February 28th, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Steve K
Julian Edelman was investigated for sexual assault. No suspension then again The Boston media and fans weren’t throwing him under the bus every opportunity they got.
Furthermore, not 1 but 5 players who played in this years Super Bowl were investigates for sexual assault and again not 1 was suspended.
But keep praying for Jameis’s suspension I’m sure if you pray hard enough you’ll get uyour wish. NOT!!!!
———————
I’m praying for no suspension, and bracing for the reality.
The NFL needs to let us know before FA/Draft, as it could have an effect on our “plan”.
Too many FSU nut huggers! We need our QB to not be suspended, and I am praying for that outcome!
February 28th, 2018 at 12:36 pm
TampaBayBucFan,
You’re spot on!
The NFL needs to give the Bucs an answer, and Jameis should not be put into any situation that can cause a suspension. Preach! Glad to see another fan with this mindset. Everyone is FSU-defensive, and in 100% invested towards the Buccaneers bests interests.
February 28th, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Stevek
When he’s not suspended I expect an apology from you. Obviously fact elude you. 5 players avoided suspension with far more evidence against them.
February 28th, 2018 at 1:16 pm
I was not there that evening. I have no way of knowing what really happened. I’m pretty much over all the speculation because that’s pretty much what it is at this point speculation.
But here is an observation. AGAIN I’m not suggesting Jameis is guilty or innocent I certainly have no way of knowing. But I find it less than convincing that Licht and Koetter are absolutely keeping an arm’s length away from all of this. They have neither supported nor trashed Jameis…just the standard the NFL is investigating and the Bucs are cooperating. That’s not exactly defending the franchise. Why are they not defending Jameis? I get nobody can comment specifically because of legal ramifications but they could at least say the generic stuff…we trust Jameis…he’s a great young man…do we wonder if they might be wondering?
February 28th, 2018 at 1:18 pm
TMZ style (sen)sationalizing!!!
(sin)
Uggggh😴😕😵💤
February 28th, 2018 at 1:24 pm
Deserve and worth have nothing to do with it. I just hope they are thorough and accurate. Go Bucs!
February 28th, 2018 at 1:32 pm
Non story … next.
February 28th, 2018 at 1:59 pm
This is an ongoing investigation.
Enough said
February 28th, 2018 at 2:07 pm
This site is funny sometimes. Nobody here has a clue as to what’s going to happen or whether he’s guilty or not.
February 28th, 2018 at 2:22 pm
“We’re now in Month 4 of the NFL investigation into Jameis Winston for allegedly crotch-grabbing a female Uber driver without permission.”
Actually Joe, seems a lot like we’re in month four of no NFL investigation. Maybe they are doing an investigation and have been doing it for four months, but why the hell haven’t even told us that. Seems like every time there’s an investigation, the people know about it. And a month ago the other player in the car said they haven’t asked him anything, and not in a manner that he was keeping the investigation under wraps. Goodell just waiting to f@#k the Bucs over and suspend Jameis the day before OTAs.
February 28th, 2018 at 2:27 pm
She hired the same lawyer as Kinzer. When that lawyer settled with FSU, not Winston—the Title 9 thing, she got $250k out of a $950k settlement. Never went to trial, never had to prove anything, legal team gets $700k. He was probably camped out on her door trying to get her to let him sue Winston and the NFL.
The thing is that Winston could have made this go away by settling. That he didn’t and with what Darby said, I think he’s innocent.
February 28th, 2018 at 2:30 pm
If Jameis gets suspended then it’ll be the first suspension with absolutely 0 evidence and only 1 testimony vs 2.
The Zeke case was full of evidence of foul play with tons of witnesses and people involved. He also had the incident with exposing that woman’s breasts that wasn’t denied.
The Brady case was weird but there was tons of circumstantial evidence. It wasn’t just 1 person making an accusation a year or so after the fact with no evidence or anyone else corroborating the story.
If Winston get’s suspended it will set a precedent where anyone can say anything about anyone without any proof and that person can be punished regardless of their innocence. That’d be pretty damn f*cked up and I’m sure the NFLPA would freak out.
We’ll see but I’ll be shocked man. That’d be f*cked up by the league more so than anything they’ve ever done. No precedent for this.
February 28th, 2018 at 3:22 pm
Sounds fishy that Licht doesn’t know whether or not Jameis talked to the NFL regarding the investigation.
February 28th, 2018 at 4:55 pm
DB55 Says:
February 28th, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Stevek
When he’s not suspended I expect an apology from you. Obviously fact elude you. 5 players avoided suspension with far more evidence against them
————————-
Of course, I will
Admit being wrong and apologizing for worrying.
If Jameis is suspended, can I expect an apology from you?
February 28th, 2018 at 6:36 pm
This whole thing is ridiculous.
So they’re going to wait until training camp or preseason starts, before even interviewing anyone? And then let me guess, they’ll announce a suspension of Jameis around week 2 of the season, long after we could have made preparations?
LOL that would be just like the NFL- if the refs don’t fk us, the league will find another way to. (As if we don’t do a good enough job of fking ourselves over each season as it is.)
#BucsLife