The NFL has been part of many controversies including the recent national anthem protests and has levied several suspensions to players who violate the misconduct policy currently in place. Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston is no stranger to controversy as he was previously accused of sexual assault allegations against another student while playing quarterback for Florida St. as well as other run ins with the law.
Recently he has been accused of sexually assaulting an Uber driver while sitting in the front of the vehicle. According to Pro Football Talk, suspensions by the NFL are usually followed by a detailed letter to the suspended player explaining why he is being suspended.
Last August, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott received a six-page letter chronicling his alleged misdeeds, and it was quickly made available to the media. As part of the league’s P.R. blitz, one of the members of the league’s external expert advisory panel was made available on a conference call to discuss the allegations and the investigation.
In Winston’s case, no letter has been issued or leaked, and no conference calls to discuss the details have been scheduled. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in response to the question of whether the letter will be released, “I don’t think so.”
It looks like the NFL along with the Buccaneers, and Winston are making a concerted effort to keep details of this situation as private as possible. Winston hasn’t appealed the suspension nor did the NFL levy the 6 game suspension that it usually hands down for players who are caught violating their misconduct policy. The NFL also chose not to detail the events that were investigated and possibly substantiated during their investigation into Winston’s situation.
Winston did issue an apology for the alleged sexual misconduct. NFL.com reported his apology:
“First and foremost, I would like to say I’m sorry to the Uber driver for the position I put you in. It is uncharacteristic of me and I genuinely apologize,” Winston added. “In 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 fact that I have eliminated alcohol from my life.
It appears that the NFL is doing their best to distance themselves from any controversy that may add to the negative perception that the league is already facing. More specifically that the situation was one where sexual misconduct took place, makes it a highly sensitive topic during the #MeToo climate that we are seeing in Hollywood.
NFL.com Tom Pelissero is reporting that Winston’s apology was part of a negotiating settlement with the NFL
#Bucs QB Jameis Winston’s apology was part of the negotiated settlement on his 3-game suspension, sources say. He does not admit guilt to the conduct the NFL says violated the policy. But he acknowledges he was drinking that night and doesn’t remember everything. @TomPelissero pic.twitter.com/Z7lRtZgmtC
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 28, 2018
We will see if these allegations will affect Winston moving forward. Will the Bucs decided to move on from the quarterback or stick with him. We will see if the NFL avoided another controversy by leaving out details of this incident.