According to ESPN, the NFL plans to suspend Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston for three games at the start of the 2018 season.
The suspension, which would be for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, stems from a March 2016 incident in which an Uber driver in Arizona claimed that Winston groped her.
The driver, who identified herself as “Kate,” revealed the allegations during an interview with BuzzFeed News in November. She said that Winston grabbed her crotch while they were in the drive-thru at a Mexican restaurant. Uber responded to the story by suspending Winston’s account with the service.
Financial Incentive Not to Appeal
According to sources cited by ESPN, it is likely that Winston will be officially notified of his suspension sometime in the next week. He would then have the option to appeal.
However, there are reasons to believe that Winston might prefer to take his suspension immediately. Appeals are rarely granted in NFL suspension hearings, and the former Florida State quarterback could have a lot to lose by delaying any punishment. Winston would lose about $124,000 in salary if he misses three games this season, when his base salary is only $705,000. Next season, he’ll earn $20.9 million, meaning the suspension could cost him $3.7 million instead.
The NFL has been investigating the incident ever since the BuzzFeed report surfaced. While earlier signs pointed to no disciplinary action being taken against Winston, the investigation led by Lisa Friel apparently turned up enough evidence to cost the quarterback significant playing time.
For his part, Winston has denied the allegations since the BuzzFeed report was published. Former Florida state teammate Ronald Darby, who now plays cornerback for the Eagles, says that he and Winston were two of three passengers in the car, and that it was the third passenger who was in the front seat with Kate. The driver’s attorney has disputed that account, saying Winston was the only passenger.
“The accusation is false,” Winston said in statement, “and given the nature of the allegation and increased awareness and consideration of these types of matters, I am addressing this false report immediately.”
History of Assault Allegations
This is not the first time Winston has been accused of sexual misconduct. While at Florida State in 2012, Winston was accused of sexual assault by fellow student Erica Kinsman. While charges were never filed and Winston was never disciplined by the school, he did settle a civil suit out of court with his accuser.
That case, along with two shoplifting incidents, left Winston with a poor reputation as he began his professional career.
If Winston is forced to miss time this season, it’s likely that the starting quarterback job will go to Ryan Fitzpatrick. The former Buffalo Bills quarterback went 2-1 as a starter for Tampa Bay last year.
While losing Winston won’t help the Buccaneers, it shouldn’t change their odds much heading into the new season. William Hill lists Tampa Bay as a 50/1 longshot to win the Super Bowl, and at 7/1, they are considered the least likely team to win the NFC South division.