ITPV » The NFL is investigating an allegation that

TAMPA http://www.tampabaybuccaneersteamonline.com/mike-edwards-jersey , Fla. (AP)Jameis Winston groped a female Uber driver in 2016, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has denied the allegation on his social media accounts. The Buccaneers acknowledged the allegation Friday and released a statement saying they are in the ”process of obtaining further information regarding today’s media report. We take these matters seriously and are fully supportive of the investigation that is being conducted by the NFL.” The NFL also released a statement saying that it has reached out to Uber to request more information. The Uber driver told BuzzFeed News the incident stems from a 2 a.m. ride after a party in Scottsdale, Arizona, on March 13, 2016. The driver said Winston was the only passenger, and that he sat in the front seat and was yelling homophobic slurs at pedestrians. She said he then asked the driver to stop for food, and while waiting in a drive-thru, reached over and placed his hand on her crotch. A representative for Winston, Russ Spielman, issued a statement denying the allegations. He said the only reason Winston’s name is attached to the allegation is because his Uber account was used to call the ride. Winston reiterated his denial in postings on Twitter and Instagram on Friday. ”A news organization has published a story about me regarding an alleged incident involving a female Uber driver from approximately two years ago http://www.tampabaybuccaneersteamonline.com/matt-gay-jersey ,” the quarterback wrote. ”The story falsely accuses me of making inappropriate contact with this driver. I believe the driver was confused as to the number of passengers in the car and who was sitting next to her. The accusation is false, and given the nature of the allegation and increased awareness and consideration of these types of matters, I am addressing this false report immediately. At the time of the alleged incident, I denied the allegations to Uber, yet they still decided to suspend my account. ”I am supportive of the national movement to raise awareness and develop better responses to the concerns of parties who find themselves in these types of situations, but this accusation is false. While I am certain that I did not make any inappropriate contact, I don’t want to engage in a battle with the driver and I regret if my demeanor or presence made her uncomfortable in any way.” Winston has been at the center of a previous sexual assault allegation. He and Erica Kinsman, who said Winston raped her while both attended Florida State, settled a civil lawsuit in December 2016 that she had brought against him. Winston said Kinsman’s allegations stemming from a 2012 encounter were false and that he and Kinsman had consensual sex, and countersued. Charges were never brought against Winston as prosecutors said there wasn’t enough evidence in the case to win a conviction and there were gaps in Kinsman’s story. — TAMPA http://www.tennesseetitansteamonline.com/a.j.-brown-jersey , Fla. (AP)Jameis Winston says consulting Dr. James Andrews about his sore throwing shoulder was ”standard protocol” and not an indication the injury is worse than he and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers initially believed. ”I’ve known Dr. Andrews for a long time,” the 23-year-old quarterback said Wednesday, a day after traveling to Pensacola, Florida, to visit the renowned orthopedic surgeon he has known since he was in the sixth grade. ”All the doctors are working together to come up with what they think,” Winston added. ”All I know is for the next two weeks I’m going to be rehabbing to get the shoulder 100 percent.” The Bucs announced Monday that the third-year pro, who sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder on Oct. 15, will miss at least two gamesafter aggravating the injury during last week’s 30-10 road loss at New Orleans. Coach Dirk Koetter reiterated doctors believe the best course of action at this time is rest. Winston has played through the injury the past three weeks, with Tampa Bay (2-6) extending its losing streak to five games. ”Dr. Andrews has been involved in this since the beginning. He’s been getting the updates every week. He’s been seeing the MRI reports every week,” Koetter said. ”Yesterday was just the first time Jameis went there in person.” On Sunday http://www.tennesseetitansteamonline.com/amani-hooker-jersey , Ryan Fitzpatrick will replace Winston, who’s made 40 consecutive starts to begin his pro career. Fitzpatrick will face the New York Jets, the veteran backup’s team the past two seasons. ”It’s challenging. But at the same time, it gives me an opportunity to be there for my team in any way that I can – not just on the field,” Winston said of the decision to shut him down. Obviously I want to be out there playing. I love this game. I’m very passionate about this game. I look at it as a great opportunity to rest and become 100 percent.” Meanwhile, the quarterback apologized for his role in a sideline skirmish last Sunday with New Orleans cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The incident escalated when Bucs receiver Mike Evans got involved, too. Evans was suspended one game by the NFL for violating league rules on unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness after running up from behind and knocking Lattimore to the ground when the Saints rookie pushed Winston in response to the quarterback coming off the sideline to confront Lattimore. Winston was not in the game at the time because of his injured shoulder. ”I want to apologize for the incident … (It’s) just something I can’t do,” the quarterback said, adding he acted in the ”heat of the moment.” ”I can’t come off the field and make any gesture toward an opponent, let alone touch them Taylor Rapp Jersey ,” Winston said. ”I can’t do that.” Evans leads the Bucs with 40 receptions for 532 yards and four touchdowns. He appealed the league discipline; however, the suspension was upheld Tuesday. ”I want to sincerely apologize for my actions. … I saw my quarterback getting shoved and I let my emotions get the better of me,” Evans said in a statement released by the team. ”My response was not appropriate and not a true indication of who I am as a player and a person,” Evans added. ”I take pride in playing the game the right way, and I realize it was unprofessional and hurt my team.” Evans will sit out Sunday’s game against the Jets. Winston would not be surprised if he winds up being fined by the NFL. ”I haven’t received it yet,” the quarterback said. ”It’s probably coming.” —