Eroded Trust, Marriage Counseling & Fresh Deodorant
June 25th, 2018
BY IRA KAUFMAN
This marriage is undoubtedly strained, but it’s not over.
Not by a long shot.
Buc fans who want Jameis Winston run out of town on a pewter rail figure to be disappointed this fall. While it appears a significant suspension is looming, Tampa Bay’s fourth-year quarterback is merely heading to mothballs — not to exile.
This franchise has too much invested in Winston and this particular season to give up on the top overall pick in the 2015 draft. Ryan Fitzpatrick will be asked to keep the Bucs afloat until Winston is eligible to return — and that’s the way it should be.
When the NFL finally hands down its punishment, will we know with some certainty exactly what happened on the night in question?
Probably not.
Instead, we will get a vague suggestion that Winston violated the league’s personal conduct policy. Before I even consider shipping Winston elsewhere, I want details coming out of Roger Goodell’s ears.
Is that too much to ask after eight months of probing by the NFL’s investigative arm?
“Overwhelming Evidence” Required
I’m on record as saying that if the evidence is overwhelming Winston is guilty as charged, he’s got to go. At that point, I couldn’t trust him to lead the franchise because he would be guilty of disgraceful judgment.
I’m sticking with that stance, but I doubt we will know conclusively whether Winston groped that Uber driver. And in the absence of overwhelming evidence, the Bucs will let the season play out with No. 3 under center.
Fitzpatrick is a seasoned pro who can fill in effectively for a few weeks. The longer he plays, the more his weaknesses will be exposed.
If the Bucs can avoid an 0-3 getaway, the season will be very much alive. When Winston makes his first home start, he will be greeted with a mixture of boos and cheers.
I’m betting cheers win the day.
Quick Fix
Speaking of winning, that’s the challenge Winston faces above all. He is 18-27 and if that .400 winning percentage doesn’t go up significantly by the end of the year, Winston will likely be toast … without factoring in any character issues.
Fair or not, quarterbacks are judged by wins. That’s why they get the biggest bucks on the NFL circuit.
Winston hasn’t done nearly enough in that regard. If he throws for 4,000 yards and goes 5-8, that’s a bad season. And if that happens, it won’t be Jason Licht and Dirk Koetter determining Winston’s professional future. It will be a new regime.
Where are the Glazers in all this?
Right now, they’ve got Winston’s back. They believe he is an elite leader, now surrounded by quite a bit of talent.
Pending the explanation behind the NFL’s suspension, ownership isn’t ready to start anew at the game’s most critical position. But the ground beneath Winston’s feet is getting slippery.
Although it’s too early for divorce, some trust has been eroded in the past eight months. That’s a significant casualty.
It’s often been said that winning is the ultimate deodorant. In this case, it may be the ultimate marriage counselor.
Ira Kaufman is the most revered sports personality and writer in town. He has hung his hat at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters since July 2016. Tampa Bay’s only Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, Ira busts out columns here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and his award winning podcasts fire Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also hear Ira on SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio Wednesdays during football season, and see him now on Mondays at 10:30 p.m. on Spectrum Sports 360 (aka BayNews 9). Ira also is part of the FOX-13 Tailgate Sunday show and enjoys beet salads, Riesling, Chiefs victories and needling Joe.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:14 am
I’m betting cheers win the day
Unless JW is 1000% vindicated ( and I don’t see that happening)
That’s a Hell of a Bet
June 25th, 2018 at 9:21 am
You are guilty or you are not…this is a black or white situtaion………This is getting ridiculous……If godell says nothing and suspends JW one more time HIPOCRECY wins……
June 25th, 2018 at 9:24 am
He’s already guilty of disgraceful judgement by being drunk and shouting the r word and lying to fans go and coach when he said he wasn’t by himself with an Uber driver.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:27 am
If the report is really bad, how did the Bucs not know? Could have just taken Rosen for insurance since Vita was not a need. Hopefully it’s not
June 25th, 2018 at 9:29 am
I dont think it all comes out for two reasons….if its really bad, Winston’s camp obviously wont want it all out there….for example, if there’s video or audio, that could be the nail in the coffin for the guy like it was for Ray Rice. If you’re the owners, you have a lot invested in this guy and now have dirt on him to somewhat hold him hostage with. That offers a degree of protection for the franchise and avoids a big PR mess as well as the expense of having to find another franchise guy. As we’ve seen, teams practically bomb their seasons to get a shot at a top talent….The Bucs have a lot invested in this team and the fan base may not truly be up for another rebuild. You also have to factor in the economy which is humming along well….People have discretionary income and will spend it on football games, merchandise, etc….Owners know now is the time to win or sell the hope of winning. That’s hard to do if you send Winston packing.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:32 am
I said it before the draft and I’ll say it again now, they should not give this guy a long term contract.
I was in favor of drafting Winston, but he is not developing. I don’t care about the passing yardage and all those stats, they mean nothing in today’s NFL. Matt Stafford is putting up HOF numbers, does anybody think he’s a HOFer?
We’ve already likely seen Winston at his best and these kind of situations will follow him forever. Anybody comparing this to the Big Ben situation in Pittsburgh should remember one thing. Ben had already won a Super Bowl before he had his little run in, and he didn’t have a laundry list of run in’s before that to try and live down.
Winston might be damaged goods from here on out. What top franchise QB’s in the NFL pull this crap? None. No matter what happens this year or next, Winston won’t outrun his past and he’ll probably never be a completely polished NFL QB. Koetter and Licht both know that by now, but they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The rest of the team is getting close to being built for a decent run and now their #1 pick QB just threw a match on it all.
I personally want to know if Ryan Griffin can manage a game and follow a game plan. I know Winston can’t without going rogue and forcing passes where they shouldn’t go.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:41 am
Of course JBF has to be prudent and even more cautious at being fair because they don’t want to find themselves on the wrong side of access to the Bucs.
Great myth here. Joe appreciates media credentials but has no problem losing official media access to the Bucs. Joe’s sources and ability to communicate run far deeper than any sort of official access. The Bucs know that, and Joe has no problem typing it here. –Joe
No issue there. But let’s be clear…this isn’t “some trust” is eroded if the media reports are true. JW is bankrupt in that department if that’s the case. But I’m sure all the sponsors showering Jameis for his endorsements haven’t lost any trust. Oh wait, there aren’t any sponsors as it is because of his history. Maybe a Brandon Truck dealership? If all is true, yes, of course Jameis still hangs this year–if a good business deal is not to be had. But is he team captain? If Fitz is tearing it up do you put JW back in automatically and break momentum? Agreed, winning can be a deodorant for a first time issue, maybe more if it’s for PEDs or something routine. JBF is dreaming if they think the ticket-buying public will just forget about it or give JW a pass IF the media reports are true and especially if they think JW did was is alleged. I’m a Bucs fan no matter what. I will go to games, etc, I just won’t respect the QB. No loss for him. But there will be a hit on attendance this year already. Guaranteed. And it’s hard to be die-hard fan if you don’t like your QB…and this isn’t the Steelers, Boys, Raiders, or Pats. The Bucs NEED die-hard fans. And JW has been to this dance before. If the public writ large thinks JW is a liar and did what’s allegged and see the Bucs looking the other way because they think JW can win a boatload of games (he’s yet to prove that), the Bucs organization will take a bigger, longer lasting hit. If they had a crystal ball to see Winston 4 years into it, with all the baggage he’s brought since, along with lack of progression on and off the field, would they draft him again? I bet not. Maybe not MM either, but not Jameis.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:43 am
1) RUN THE BALL EFFECTIVELY. sets up play action controls clock keeps opposing offensive off field eases load on Fitz.2) STOP THE RUN! This new D line success makes opposing teams one dimensional, and revamped pass rush can prove its worth and get off on 3rd down. 3)play outstanding special teams Dominate field position… IT’S A TEAM SPORT! We do this we’ll be in every game.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:45 am
Miken
If the report is really bad, how did the Bucs not know?
Because he didn’t tell them. I really think JW thought this girl wouldn’t say anything. When she did, he called upon Darby, one more time for a false alibi. I think that JW thinks he is really clever. JW can’t get out of his own way.
Bobby
Trent Dilfer won a SB
Brad Johnson won a SB
Shaun King took a team to the NFC Championship game (and nearly won)
“Franchise” QB’s are great and all, but a solid 53 can get a lot accomplished.
We need to return to our roots. Fierce, Withering Defense. So a new DC is at the top my wishlist.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:48 am
Bobby M…keeping a liar as a franchise guy that can’t be trusted who haven’t proven he’s capable of leading this team in the win column at work or off the field. So far, he’s who the Bucs hoped to be their franchise QB…just like Vinny and Josh. That notion can end with a phone call. JW’s “potential” is just that. Is his upside worth all the baggage…all year long, win or lose, it’s going to be about allegations on Jameis and, if media reports are true, who he really is.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:49 am
Spot on as usual Roy
June 25th, 2018 at 9:51 am
@Roy
Is his upside worth all the baggage…all year long, win or lose, it’s going to be about allegations on Jameis and, if media reports are true, who he really is.
To me, he’s more Jerry Falwell, than Messiah.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:54 am
@jmarkbuc. I don’t believe this was an outright conspiracy by JW as much as maybe he just didn’t remember the cab ride with “Kate.” So I’ll give him that.
But he can’t have it both ways. That is, two years later when he states he knew the facts and Kate didn’t know who was in the car, and clearly someone would have told him there were two cab rides, if he was honest at all, he’d have never made the statements to the media he did when he was (supposedly) not “unruly”. And he hasn’t retracted his statements. So if he’s found to have lied, and apologizes, he will only be doing so because he got caught in the lie. Do the Bucs want this guy as the face of their franchise? Will he be the face to go to schools and talk about integrity and work hard and be honest? The public will now he’s full of it.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:56 am
Jmarkbuc…interesting point, well made.
June 25th, 2018 at 10:06 am
Overwhelming evidence would have to include a recording or a credible witness of the alleged incident.
June 25th, 2018 at 10:07 am
C’mon, dude, what you just typed was a very politically correct way of saying, ‘Joe, you’re lying.’ That’s not Ok here in Joe’s space, so it was deleted. Joe doesn’t type BS on these pages, not does Joe run a traditional business in any shape or form.–Joe
June 25th, 2018 at 10:11 am
JJ
I’ve said over the past couple days that the guilt or innocence thing is moot at this point. Rightly or wrongly. The damage is done. All that remains is the cleanup process.
The court of Public Opinion is formidable. People generally don’t unhear things.
June 25th, 2018 at 10:21 am
Joe doesn’t have to be anything. You can’t misrepresent Joe here. Now your comments will go to moderation. –Joe
June 25th, 2018 at 10:50 am
Ira’s solutions for avoiding divorce rarely work long term.
June 25th, 2018 at 11:45 am
If Jameis was so drunk he got kicked out of a club, why was he alone in the car in the first place? Meaning where was his entourage? Nobody was trying to take care of him and get him home and into bed? I’m not trying to make any excuses for him but he probably doesn’t even remember what happened. And he obviously needs better friends.
June 25th, 2018 at 11:50 am
How soon they forget………Big Ben! Case Closed!
June 25th, 2018 at 11:56 am
Roy T. Buford Says:
. . . .I don’t believe this was an outright conspiracy by JW as much as maybe he just didn’t remember the cab ride with “Kate.” So I’ll give him that.
I think that may be the case. . . and perhaps – just perhaps if he comes out with a statement to that effect – he may get a slight pass from some fans and media types. . . but that is a very slight case to be sure.
He has tarnished his rep pretty badly and it will take a huge improvement on the field (wins and a playoff run in the very near future) for him to salvage a once promising career.
June 25th, 2018 at 12:02 pm
BucNole…makes sense…but will harder given he’s no stranger to this type of allegation and being the center of bad things….
June 25th, 2018 at 12:49 pm
This whole thing is a JOKE. Are you all kidding me?! A 3 game suspension over a he said she said, and we’re writing his obit? Gimme a break. This is an exercise is complete stupidity by everyone even suggesting Winston needs to go, with ANYTHING surrounding this thing. What a waste of time.
June 25th, 2018 at 1:49 pm
GotBucs, in another recent article, Joe posted a link to the Ben Rothlisberger incident. You may want to revisit it and avoid defending that man in anyway, as his actions were of the filthiest and most aggressively depraved variety!
June 25th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Roy T Buford says
Joe doesn’t have to be anything. You can’t misrepresent Joe here. Now your comments will go to moderation. –Joe
Been there, done that. Like an uber driver in Boston with a car load of deflated balls……
June 25th, 2018 at 2:52 pm
You’re right but I’ve never agreed with this especially when quarterback is the most dependent position on the field.
June 25th, 2018 at 3:28 pm
I guess the one thing I don’t understand is the Glazer’s position as owner of one of 32 teams. If the NFL was going to drag Winston thru the coals due to any evidence that they have compiled, why wouldn’t ownership be aware and be given the opportunity to use their 7th pick on a replacement QB? There was sthe two Josh’s left on the Board.
The NFL took all of a week to clear Matt Patricia with his problem in Detroit. Can it be that the NFL looks out for Detroit and not Tampa Bay? This doesn’t compute to me. Just saying!
June 25th, 2018 at 5:12 pm
C’mon, dude, what you just typed was a very politically correct way of saying, ‘Joe, you’re lying.’ That’s not Ok here in Joe’s space, so it was deleted. Joe doesn’t type BS on these pages, not does Joe run a traditional business in any shape or form.–Joe
Hey Joe, if someone believes you’re lying thats their opinion. Now if you take down their comments of them explaining why you’re lying well now you look like you’re afraid of what they said because it could be true.
Joe you type BS on these pages, EVERYDAY. You’re right you dont run a traditional business, you’ve clearly proven that you have no idea how a business is run.
June 25th, 2018 at 5:17 pm
I like Jameis. We all do. We want him to succeed for our Bucs. When is he going to man up and mature though? I do think he is guilty. Where there;s smoke there is fire. And Jameis been in a whole lotta smoke from FSU until now. I do think he is on that short leash with Koetter and Smitty. One more screwup and Jameis is wearing a jersey from the..Canadian Football League.
June 25th, 2018 at 7:44 pm
Jameis makes very poor decisions on what he does and whom he does them with them in his personal life. This is akin to his poor decisions on throwing passes into windows that he cannot make. I wish the guy good times in the future but as the Owner of the Bucs he is not the employee that I’m willing to invest $30m/year.
June 26th, 2018 at 1:13 pm
Ira, you should play DB as you’re so good at back peddling! Something smells in Tampa and it’s initials are J W. Why lie about circumstances if you have nothing to hide (JW). Unfortunately he can’t be trusted. And I really like the guy. But a pig is a pig. Time to call it I RAH.
June 26th, 2018 at 6:30 pm
Mike Johnson speak for yourself. I was a JW supporter from Day 1 and was adamant that he had to be the pick when we had the #1 pick. I thought some of his college stuff was overblown and it wouldn’t happen again. Well it obviously did and he and his boy Darby cuncocted a BS story as a coverup. Allegedly, sexually assaulting an Uber driver is bad enough, but trying to deceive the league, team, and fans with a coverup lie makes it 10 times worse IMO. He cannot be the face of the franchise. It sucks to be a Bucs fan and again without a QB. You have to cut bait with this guy. He pulled the wool over Licht’s eyes and many fans like myself. My message to him is FU! I am a lifelong Buc fan and because you’re too stupid to keep your s*** together we will have several more years of losing. The dude is a moron and a loser in life!