Jameis Winston buccaneers apologize for the Uber incident, suspension

The league said in a press release that its investigation concluded that Winston violated the policy of personal conduct in touching Winston, who firmly denied the allegation when he became public in 2017, issued a statement Thursday shortly before the NFL announcement in which he apologized to driver Uber for "the I you put in position. "

" It's unusual on my part and I sincerely apologize, "said Winston in the release. "Over 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 did that I eliminated alcohol from my life. " While I am disappointed in the NFL decision, I understand the NFL process, and I embrace it as an opportunity to leverage available resources to help me achieve the goals I have. have for me. "

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Winston, the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft, has agreed to suspension and will not appeal, with multiple reports stating that the ban of three games was the result as part of the discipline from Winston, the NFL demanded that the quarterback "obtain a clinical evaluation and cooperate fully with any recommended therapeutic intervention program"

. "In addition, a future violation of the personal conduct policy will result in a more substantive discipline, including a prohibition n potential of the NFL, "said the league in the press release.

Winston was accused of grabbing the pilot's crotch Uber in the shop window of a Scottsdale, Arizona, restaurant in March 2016. The driver told BuzzFeed News in November when he held his hand for three to five seconds

. "I just collapsed," said the driver, who was identified as "Kate" by the news magazine. "I've been frozen."

Kate told BuzzFeed News that she had reported the incident to Uber but had not contacted the police.

The NFL then opened an investigation into the subject, led by a special NFL attorney for Todd Jones Conduct. After interviewing the driver and Winston, among others, Jones found the Uber pilot's account "consistent and credible," according to the league press release.

"All members of our organization must behave according to personal standards. Conduct NFL policy, "Buccaneers said Thursday in a statement." We are disappointed that Jameis was in a position that was found to violate the policy and accept the commissioner's decision. "

Winston He was previously charged with sexual assault while he was a student at Florida State, but the state prosecutor's office refused to file a complaint.He settled a federal lawsuit with his accuser in 2016. [19659008] The 24-year-old, who won the 2013 Heisman Trophy, has started 45 games in three seasons with Tampa Bay and will miss the team's first three games against the New Orleans Saints. Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers, veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick to start in his place.