Last week, Adam Schefter reported that the NFL was looking to suspend Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston for three games this season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The punishment stemmed from an incident involving Winston and an Uber driver, who he groped on the way home from a party in Arizona.
Today, the NFL officially came down with the verdict:
#Bucs QB Jameis Winston has been suspended 3 games, I’m told.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 28, 2018
With the league’s decision (they negotiated the thee game suspension, he will not appeal), Winston also released a statement regarding what he did, apologizing and saying he has eliminated alcohol from his life.
“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.”
The Buccaneers will now start the season with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center in their first game against the New Orleans Saints, home opener against the Phildelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers.