Jameis Winston under fire after blaming alcohol for disturbing Uber incident
One day, Jameis Winston is going to learn that blaming his misconduct on alcohol really isn’t an excuse at all.
Apparently, that’s not the case yet, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback did just that after learning of his three-game suspension.
Winston’s latest issue with the law involved an Uber driver, who, according to the NFL’s instigation, said the Heisman Trophy winner “[touched] the driver in an inappropriate and sexual manner without her consent.”
Winston issued a statement regarding the 2016 incident in which he pointed to alcohol as a major factor in his actions.
“In the past 2½ 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,” he said.
The explanation didn’t sit well with many people on social media.
Basically, he admitted that he did it, blamed it on alcohol, and then complained about being punished for it.
— Savannah (@SassyGW5) June 28, 2018
Ohhhhh so it's the drink's fault pic.twitter.com/ttotKBvWDm
— Chris H (@Riverside_Slgrs) June 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/JohnHime/status/1012501301723312129
You’ll remember that while at Florida State, Winston was twice accused of rape.
He also was disciplined for screaming sexually graphic comments while standing on a table on campus, and got in trouble for walking out of a grocery store with crab legs he didn’t pay for.
Until now, the punishments were minor; he was found not guilty of the rape charges, benched for the first half of a game over the screaming incident, and received a civil citation for shoplifting.
But the NFL’s suspension — which many think is far too light — could be his last chance.
One of the key statements in the NFL’s announcement on Jameis Winston’s three-game suspension: “A future violation of the Personal Conduct Policy will result in more substantial discipline, including a potential ban from the NFL.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 28, 2018
As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, part of the league’s statement says any future violations of the league’s personal conduct policy could result in more “substantial discipline, including a potential ban from the NFL.”
Winston said he has received the message.
“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,” he said in his statement.
The Uber driver issued a statement as well.
“I am glad to see the NFL discipline Jameis Winston. I do appreciate his apology, even if it needs some work,” she said Friday.
“I would like to publicly acknowledge the NFL Investigators, particularly Lisa Friel and John Iannarelli, for their kind, professional and thorough investigation.
“My experience should highlight the importance of believing women when they have the courage to come forward about sexual assault. Perhaps that night could have been prevented if others had been believed before me.”
For someone who has been given so much, we’ll have to see if Winston actually learns from his latest escape.
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