While some people are outraged by the decision of Jameis Winston to skip going to Chicago for the NFL Draft, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he is perfectly fine with Winston staying home with his friends and family.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he will respect Jameis Winston‘s decision if he stays at home with his family for the NFL draft rather than attend the event next month in Chicago.
Goodell made his comments in an interview with The MMQB.com and said that when he met with Winston recently, the Florida State quarterback “was clear that he wanted to spend time with his family.”
Winston’s father, Antonor, told ESPN.com last week that his son, who is widely projected to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick, does not plan to attend the draft, as he currently prefers to spend that day with family and friends in Alabama, although that “was not set in stone.”
Goodell said he is not part of the invitation process for the draft, but he’s “not concerned” if Winston is selected No. 1 but wouldn’t be available to walk across the stage on draft day because he chose to stay home.
“I think that it’s something we respect when a player says, ‘I’d like to be with my family on that day.’ It’s an important day for them also,” he told the website.
Ohio State defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, who was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1994, was the last No. 1 pick not to attend the draft.
I don’t understand why people are upset with the decision in the first place. I will never knock a guy for wanting to enjoy the moment in the comfort of his own home with his friends and family, rather than be in Chicago with a bunch of cameras in his face.
At the end of the day, it’s Jameis’ decision and instead of complaining and throwing stones, we just need to respect it and leave it alone.