Jameis Responds To Three-Game Suspension
June 28th, 2018
Jameis speaks
From Jameis Winston, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, America’s Quarterback apologizes but says and explains little other than he has “eliminated alcohol” from his life and that he’s “disappointed in the NFL’s decision.
Jameis Winston Statement
“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. It is uncharacteristic of me and I genuinely apologize. In the past 2 1/2 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.”
Stay tuned for the NFL’s official statement.
It will be telling … or it won’t be.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:14 pm
get rid of him
June 28th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
That was not a genuine apology….it was a self centered attempt at apology….I have already contacted OBP
June 28th, 2018 at 2:16 pm
Very telling statement…
June 28th, 2018 at 2:16 pm
Blaming it on the alcohol, I see. Well, at least he came clean, I guess
June 28th, 2018 at 2:17 pm
HooliganSixx Says:
June 28th, 2018 at 2:14 pm
get rid of him
_________________________________________________________________
Over something that happened 2 and a half years ago, where no proof has been provided that he actually did anything wrong. Gotcha…
June 28th, 2018 at 2:17 pm
His initial two sentences are phrased in such a way as to admit wrongdoing, which isn’t often done. It’ll be interesting to see what, if anything, the Glazers do or say.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:17 pm
Its very telling…the statement from the NFL…wow!
June 28th, 2018 at 2:17 pm
So did Ira finally get the statement he was looking for or does Jameis need to spell it out for him? 😛
June 28th, 2018 at 2:18 pm
I also can’t wait to see the NFL’s statement/documentation pertaining to their investigation. I want to see facts, one way or another.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:18 pm
Admitting guilt?
June 28th, 2018 at 2:19 pm
Cut him now. Show the world the Bucs will not accept this. Lead by example. To anyone who says he’s the best qb we have had there are other ways to win championships ala Brad Johnson. I’ve been a fan for 40+ years. Can’t trust him. Next infraction it’s a year suspension. He hasn’t shown the growth on or off the field to take the gamble
June 28th, 2018 at 2:19 pm
Admits to the incident, doesn’t admit to lying about it, although I guess that’s obvious now..
Disappointed in the decision..I assume that’s just standard boilerplate language, but he should consider himself lucky.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:19 pm
Gee we learned alot from that
June 28th, 2018 at 2:19 pm
He essentially admitted that it happened…..very lucky that law enforcement was not involved. If all that happens to him is that he misses 3 checks and games…he is fortunate.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:20 pm
Ouch. There’s the admission of guilt. As a fellow hard drinker, I suspected all along that he got blackout and did things he didn’t exactly remember. The whole lying to everyone not a good look.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:20 pm
love you Jameis but your going to have to walk the walk not just talk the talk. Hope you can do it.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:21 pm
Blameis Jameis…this time on alcohol…good grief…
June 28th, 2018 at 2:21 pm
Good god! He didn’t deny the assault. You guys are still defending this crap? Unreal! …and guess what, Siberias QB, who told you that you’ll play game 4? He thinks he’s privileged and entitled. There lies one issue with this personality.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:21 pm
i guess he trying to say whatever happened it was alcohols fault. Seems like he pleaded down to a 3 games suspension with the promise of no appeal. I’m guessing because he did so, no real details will come out. I’m sure zeke elliot had this option but choose to fight so he could say he’s innocent. best to serve the time now and not let it drag out any longer.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:22 pm
Sounds to me like the guy was drunk, made a pass at a female. She didn’t want it, and he stopped. Just my two cents. Not really an excuse for the guy, as he shouldn’t even be in this situation. This is what it sounded like from the beginning, but with his past it’s also understandable how those that see him in that negative light will want him gone. I just dont see it happening this year. His play on the field will determine a lot moving forward.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:22 pm
There is no denying his statement is essentially an admission of guilt and the incident occurred while consuming alcohol. It’s better than lying and making this worse. It’s rarely done like this but I have to believe at least part of the statement was a requirement for a lesser suspension. Regardless, I’m not going to play judge, jury and executioner. I did a lot of regrettable, dumb stuff while I was in my 20’s and I’ll be one of the few pulling for Jameis and hoping his life stays on the straight and narrow while being an exceptional QB.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:22 pm
Well, at least it’s an admission of guilt.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:23 pm
@Bucsmarley…Cheers! Well said. I’ve been a fan just as long. We don’t need him.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:25 pm
He is a keeper. And I mean that.
This incident happened just after his first season. Since then he has been a model citizen.
Frankly, I believe all of these people wanting him gone are non-fans of the Bucs. He is the best QB this team has ever had, and is young enough to mature into the best period.
Not to mention…THIS WAS NOT SEXUAL ASSAULT!
He put the moves on her, got rejected, and stopped. That is not assault. People say unwanted touching is assault…but he must be informed it is unwanted before that applies, and when she informed him, he stopped.
Not assault.
Regardless of the Jameis haters who create 5-10 usernames to inflate their apparent numbers here.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:26 pm
He’s likes the Eagles anyway. Trade him straight up for Foles!
June 28th, 2018 at 2:26 pm
Next press conference… “I have decided to give up marijuana”
June 28th, 2018 at 2:27 pm
How do you move past your leader being a bold face liar. I can forgive someone for doing something stupid when they been drinking, but then to work with your friend to mislead everyone, not acceptable.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai…..If a man put his hands in your daughters crotch out of the blue, you’d be ok with it after she tells him, no don’t do that?
Are you serious?
June 28th, 2018 at 2:28 pm
OK – so he pretty clearly admitted he F’ed up. Apologized to the Uber driver and also to Buc Nation.
I guess now we get to find out how much capacity for forgiveness is in the hearts of this fan base don’t we?
June 28th, 2018 at 2:29 pm
@Buccaneer Bonzai…Doug Williams is the best QB this team ever had, by a large margin! He’s done nothing
June 28th, 2018 at 2:29 pm
cmurda
It’s better than lying and making this worse.
——————————-
Catch up!…already did that.
cgmaster
Sounds to me like the guy was drunk, made a pass at a female. She didn’t want it, and he stopped
—————————
If he had said that from the beginning, things might have been a helluva lot better.
“It is uncharacteristic of me:…well That’s debateable
June 28th, 2018 at 2:29 pm
Pack his effing bags
June 28th, 2018 at 2:30 pm
“Apologizes, but says and explains little”
He knows he has a problem with alcohol
He knows he made the Uber driver feel uncomfortable by acting stupid and apologized, but he probably doesn’t remember much since he was drunk
He doesn’t think whatever he did warrants a suspension, but takes responsibility anyway
June 28th, 2018 at 2:31 pm
“I would like to say I’m sorry to the Uber driver for the position I put you in. It is uncharacteristic of me and I genuinely apologize…I have eliminated alcohol from my life.”
What I find disturbing is from the statement what was alleged, “the hassle” as JoeBucsFan likes to call it now, happened because he was intoxicated, drunk, inebriated to the point he violated the Uber drivers person and put her “in the position” where she had her own “Me Too” moment.
I have been a supporter and apologist for Winston since the Buccaneers drafted him. I was on the fence with his “on the field” performance…but, now coupling that with this new found revelation has validated for me that I believe it is time for the Bucs to move on from Jameis Winston.
Dirk Koetter, Jason Licht and a whole lot of other people have not only their careers on the line, but their daughters, wives, mothers to look at, along with themselves in the mirror and decide is this the type of “man” we want to hitch our lively hoods with.
Any draft pick for another QB to back up Fitzpatrick for this year is worth it, in my opinion. A dad of a daughter, this is not the type of man I want representing the team that I invest each year as a season ticket holder, and as a fan who proudly wears the team colors.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:31 pm
Buc Bonzai
“According to the United States Department of Justice, sexual assault is “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient.” Sexual assault is basically an umbrella term that includes sexual activities such as rape, fondling, and attempted rape.”
June 28th, 2018 at 2:33 pm
@TJ
As a father of sons, I am in total agreement with you in everything you said.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:33 pm
Just freakin unbelievable. I mean I don’t wanna be dealing with a guy who is too stupid to lie and then basically admit he has lied. GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY.
Cut our losses now and move on. We have too good of a team now to continue to waste talent on this Moron. He will absolutely do it again. Bad company corrupts good morals and he has the WORST friends.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:33 pm
I’m sure this type of statement was demanded do to the agreement, some of you guys are taking this statement as him admitting guilt to sexual assault and that’s naive in my opinion, I’m sure the language has something to do with the agreement “don’t deny it and apologize to the girl, it’s the best look for the nfl and its investigation, if you say these things and do the counselling we will reduce to 3 games”. We all know if he would have fought this further it would have been at least 6 games and it wouldn’t have mattered there is no beating the nfl at this game. Jameis is a team first guy, I’m sure he was tired of being a distraction and wanted to get back as quickly as possible, whether thats the right thing is up for debate. We still don’t know the circumstances of the incident and it was inappropriate, but sexual assault it was not. Seems as though he’s sorry for the situation as a whole and hopefully learns from it. There was no real evidence of malice or assault. It was over two years ago, we can all move forward or not…I’m sure some of us will not.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:36 pm
C’mon Buccaneer Bonzai, that is the worst take I’ve read about this story to date. He just admitted guilt.
Even though Jameis is the best QB in Bucs history the sad fact remains that he’s behind in development compared to other young QBs like Wentz, Prescott, Goff, Watson, ect… It wouldn’t shock me if guys like Trubisky and Mahomes leap frog him in development.
You can’t give Jameis the big money after this. I’m rooting for him to succeed in life. I’ve been a fan, but the Bucs cannot give him the big contract. It’s time to move on.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:39 pm
Apparently some of you have never made a mistake at 22 years old. #hatersgonnahate
June 28th, 2018 at 2:39 pm
I have eliminated alcohol from my life.
—————–
How alcohol is legal and weed isn’t is beyond me. Alcohol should be illegal across the board. All it does is create violence and death.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:41 pm
Cmurda I’m with you brother. I am always pulling for the good in people and believe he will become a better man, husband and father from all of this. Whether any of you like it or not he is part of the Buccaneer family and when one skrews up in the family we should all be corralling around that person to bring the greater good out of them not giving up on them. I have seen my sister who had a drug addiction, and my mom with an alcohol addiction completely turn their lives around and I never gave up on them either when everyone else wanted to. They have been inspirations in my life. Jameis can be that for this team and his fans but we have to support him first. Never give up! Go Bucs!
June 28th, 2018 at 2:44 pm
Wesley I made mistakes but no one ever accused me of rape
June 28th, 2018 at 2:47 pm
OK – so he pretty clearly admitted he knows he did wrong. Apologized to the Uber driver and also to Buc Nation. And vowed to work hard to be the best person and football player he can be.
I guess now we get to find out how much capacity for forgiveness is in the hearts of this fan base don’t we?
Not looking good so far…
I’m reminded of a great master’s words that still ring true after 2000+ years:
“Judge not lest ye be judged”
“Let him who is without sin cast the 1st stone”
June 28th, 2018 at 2:48 pm
“I’m sorry for what I did to you” would be an admission of guilt……sorry for the position I put you in is not exactly stating he touched her…..but, I guess we’ll have to accept that…..it is what you would say if you really didn’t know (drunk)
June 28th, 2018 at 2:50 pm
Wait, I thought Jameis was the victim in this here “hassle.”
June 28th, 2018 at 2:52 pm
Get outta here with that nonsense. This is from the NFL:
Nuff said. No need for you to mince words, spin doctor it, or anything else. Just accept that the story is true. Jameis admitted it. The NFL reported it. The Buccaneers accept it.
June 28th, 2018 at 2:52 pm
DB55 Says:
How alcohol is legal and weed isn’t is beyond me. Alcohol should be illegal across the board. All it does is create violence and death.
Amen brother!
June 28th, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Wesley
Since when is sexual assault considered a mistake…WTF?
June 28th, 2018 at 2:55 pm
God made pot, man made booze….who do you trust?
June 28th, 2018 at 2:55 pm
Get out of town dirt bag! About time everyone recognizes you for what you really are…..Americas sex offender
June 28th, 2018 at 2:56 pm
Bye bye Jaboo.
June 28th, 2018 at 3:00 pm
I love how everyone is making this sound like he just jumped in a car and grabbed this girl. The female NEVER does anything to provoke another’s actions in these situations. Yea OK…
June 28th, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Some of you Joe’s I can understand your anger, as most men we want to defend a lady being harrased be a protector, we have wives and daughters, i get it, but here is my question.
I used to be a bartender (years ago) i got groped and fondled buy drunk women young and old. Is it different? or a double standard?
For me and most women i assume it’s a case of “hey, your drunk and that’s not allowed” …they stop and you move on, no police or report needed in most cases. when they don’t stop would be the much bigger issue wouldn’t you agree?
June 28th, 2018 at 3:03 pm
have any of ya’ll ever done anything in your life that you regretted? come on be honest
June 28th, 2018 at 3:07 pm
DB55 shut up and sit on your sex offender QBs jock
June 28th, 2018 at 3:13 pm
now we’re getting somewhere……
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!….#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
June 28th, 2018 at 3:15 pm
The only thing that can save Jameis is the birth of his son, he can say that his son has changed him and he is the person we all want him to be.
June 28th, 2018 at 3:27 pm
Dewey
Agreed
June 28th, 2018 at 3:43 pm
For all of you saying he has been a model citizen since whenever…we all thought he had been a model citizen since we drafted him….we were fooled.
You really think this is an isolated incident? Just the tip of the iceberg.
June 28th, 2018 at 3:52 pm
He has learned nothing, Canned response, probably written by his attorney or management. Pity, he had an opportunity to pull himself out of the ditch,
You can bet that all the high school athletes are glued to this. Not exactly what they should hear.
June 28th, 2018 at 3:55 pm
A very nicely worded statement that either Jameis ‘ legal team or the Bucs prepared for him. I really hope that he “gets it”
June 28th, 2018 at 4:06 pm
Well Greg Auman echoed my earlier diagnosis. Some of you are so naive and I’m not giving him a pass, if he’s cut I’ll understand, but I’ve never understood people who lack ability to read between the lines, but firmly stand on something that they don’t fully understand. After all of this We don’t know the circumstances behind the situation. The NFL couldn’t afford another drawn out appeal, knowing that they had no facts, but also know that ultimately as with every instance of their disciplinary history they would win and that’s pretty much a fact, Jameis knowing this would result in 6 or more games took the 3, I think he knows something was innapropriate. That doesn’t make it sexual assault, it does harken to a culture that needs to change in this country, he’ll in this world and for that I’m glad the girl spoke out.Not everything in this movement is equal, the witch hunt needs to stop and the educating needs to begin, that’s the only way these types of things will stop. As far as you people with zero forgiveness in your heart for a 24 year old who made this mistake when he was 22, well that’s between you and your god…far worse has been forgiven in this world, let alone in this NFL. Get off your high horses.
June 28th, 2018 at 4:10 pm
CG Master…made a pass? Wow.. Yes, I’m a couple generations removed, but making a a pass in my day was unwanted kissing and words suggesting something more…It wasn’t putting your hand on their privates.
June 28th, 2018 at 4:11 pm
Bushido… I agree with much of what you said, but look at the definition of sexual assault…it was every bit of sexual assault.
June 28th, 2018 at 4:20 pm
Bonzai..From Arizona Family law says the legal definition of sexual assault can describe a range of criminal acts that are sexual in nature, from unwanted touching and kissing, to rubbing, groping or forcing the victim to touch the perpetrator in sexual ways.
Sure sounds like sexual assault to me. Where is your source to say it isn’t?
June 28th, 2018 at 4:24 pm
BTW…in the next article, here is the quote from the NFL…
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 here is the legal definition again…sounds like they almost lifted it from the law book of what legal assault is…
Sexual assault can describe a range of criminal acts that are sexual in nature, from unwanted touching and kissing, to rubbing, groping or forcing the victim to touch the perpetrator in sexual ways.
June 28th, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Drop the America’s quarterback. If he’s not lights out this year, it’s time to move on.
June 28th, 2018 at 5:11 pm
I think it’s time to drop the America’s qb nonsense. I am no stiff but if he’s not lights out this year I think we move on. I am happy he is off whatever he feels ails him but it’s clear he doesn’t make the best decisions. I love the kid but in life and in football he does questionable things. With so much time having done things the right way since whatever happened, I am willing to give him a chance this year. But it’s time to show up. He’s cost games with his turnovers, Farve won his. If the defense is just moderately better then the worst defense then he should have no excuse when you look at his numbers. I see his ‘it’ factor but Tebow has ‘it’ too and I would never sign him.
June 28th, 2018 at 6:00 pm
WTF Jameis! Put all of this behind you by throwing some touchdowns. Go Bucs!!
June 28th, 2018 at 6:47 pm
Joe is it just me or does something smell fishy here. I have NEVER heard of the NFL cutting a deal with a player..unless..they knew if he appealed that he would win….or maybe Jameis is actually being responsible and owning up to the fact that he should have reported the accusation and maybe that’s why he’s not fighting it. He knows he should have reported and failed to and he knows he has to pay the Piper. But from what i know the NFL is always firm on their decisions and rarely cuts deals.
June 28th, 2018 at 8:00 pm
Where Are The Facts Says:
I love how everyone is making this sound like he just jumped in a car and grabbed this girl. The female NEVER does anything to provoke another’s actions in these situations. Yea OK…
—————
Spoken like a true sex offender. SMH
June 28th, 2018 at 8:28 pm
@evolvingbucsfan
Amen to THAT!!
If Jameis had continue against the person’s will, then yes ASSUALT and HARRASMENT.. she even said it was for a few seconds and that he removed his hand when notified that wasn’t cool…
I guess most Bucs fans have never been in a social environment where alcohol is massively consumed..what “Saints”… Lol. Pun intended!
June 28th, 2018 at 10:54 pm
BucsFan I am worried about your safety
Do here is a Public Service Announcement
If you see a building and smoke is rolling out of it please do not enter there is a Fire
Please “no proof”
If you don’t see this for what it is
This guy is guilty no doubt HE LIED AND HAD HIS BUDDY LIE
If he wasn’t he would fight this with lawyers BECAUSE THIS INCIDENT WILL COST HIM MILLIONS
June 29th, 2018 at 10:17 am
He apologizes, but doesn’t say he didn’t do it. So he admits guilt then, no?
June 29th, 2018 at 10:46 am
Not my place to judge. As a fan, I’m good with it, even if it was written by an attorney. The fan sentiment on this site at least, is all against him. This may play into a decision by team management. Fans and Media are what got Chucky run off. I think Licht is building a tough team that can thrive without Jameis. Jameis would fit right in with the Ravens. I wonder if Licht is making those calls now. If you guys get your wish, I hope the team gets through it. I think they will. I’d be interested to see what the other 52 players think and I think their opinions matter. The other 40 are just camp meat.