After last week's report that Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston would be suspended, the suspension is now official. Winston told Ian Rapoport he's been suspended by the NFL for 3 games. That was the expected amount of games from the earlier reports.
Winston won't appeal the suspension. The 3 game suspension was a settlement negotiated by the NFL and Winston.
“The NFL informed me today that I will be suspended for the first three games of the season," Winston told Rapoport in a statement.
"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."
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The suspension stems from an incident with an Uber driver that was initially reported by Buzzfeed. According to the accusation, Winston reached over and grabbed the female Uber driver's crotch. Winston denied those accusations and was backed up by Eagles CB Ronald Darby.
With Winston suspended, Ryan Fitzpatrick will take over as the starting QB. Winston will miss games against the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.
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