It constitutes as off the field and personal, but anything involving Jameis Winston and his alleged sexual assault case, is going to make its way into Buccaneers headquarters.
The No. 1 overall NFL draft pick filed a counterclaim Friday against Erica Kinsman, alleging her rape accusations are — “false, defamatory … and have maliciously and impermissibly interfered with Mr. Winston’s business and personal relationships.”
“Mr. Winston brings this action against Ms. Kinsman out of necessity, not malice or ill will,” the court filing said. “Nonetheless, Ms. Kinsman’s false statements have irreparably harmed in his professional and personal life.”
The counterclaim seeks damages in excess of $75,000.
Buccaneers head coach, Lovie Smith, says it won’t be a distraction. Smith said the litigation should not affect Winston’s preparation to play football.
“No, we do not think it will be a problem for Jameis to be focused on playing football here,” Smith said following a two-day rookie minicamp. “Not at all.”We all have things that we’re dealing with off the football field but guys know when it’s time for football here and it’s about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and doing our work here.”