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Jameis Winston's penalty is now official
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has been suspended for the first three games of the regular season for violating the NFL's personal driving policy, the league announced Thursday. Winston will not appeal the ban because it is part of a "negotiated settlement," said a source at Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The suspension stems from a Uber driver accusing Winston of fumbling her in Scottsdale, Arizona, in March 2016.
The NFL "concluded that Winston violated the policy of personal conduct by touching the driver of a car. inappropriate and sexual manner without his consent and this disciplinary action was necessary and appropriate. "As part of his discipline, Winston is required to obtain a clinical evaluation and cooperate fully with any recommended therapeutic intervention program.
"Failure to obtain evaluation or co-operate with treatment will result in greater discipline." league said in a statement. "In addition, a future violation of personal conduct policy will result in more substantial discipline, including a potential ban on the NFL."
Winston, 24, promptly responded to the league's decision:
"The NFL informed me today, I will be suspended for the first three games of the season," wrote Winston in a statement from Rapoport.
"First of all, I would like to say that I am sorry for the Uber driver for the post I have been busy putting you in. It is unusual to me and I sincerely apologize. ", added Winston. "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. "
"I know to keep myself at a higher level on and off the field and that I have a responsibility to my family, my community and my teammates to live on top of the platform with which God m & rsquo; Blessed, I apologize to my teammates, the organization of the Buccaneers and the supporters for letting them down and not being able to be there for the first three While I am disappointed with 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 of the NFL. goals that I have for myself.
I will continue to work hard every day to have a positive influence in my community and be the best person, teammate and leader I can be. "
apologies from Winston come after publicly denying the allegations in nov last December.
The absence of Winston will make him miss games against the Saints, Eagles and Steelers before returning in time for the Tampa meet with the Bears. The suspension officially starts on September 1st and should end on September 25th.
The suspension leaves Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Griffin to fight for the temporary starting place. The Bucs also have Austin Allen on the Chalk
list as a career turning point for Winston, who is under contract with the Bucs through next season.
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