Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston is suspended for three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy, the NFL announced Thursday.
Winston will miss the Bucs’ season opener in New Orleans along with home games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero tweeted that Winston will not appeal his suspension.
Winston responded to his three-game suspension in a statement that Rapoport posted in full on his Facebook account.
The suspension stems from a March 2016 groping incident reported by an Uber driver in Scottsdale, Ariz. The NFL conducted and investigation after the allegation was first made public in November 2017.
“The NFL informed me today that I will be suspended for the first three games of the season.
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. 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.
I know I have to hold myself to a higher standard on and off the field and that I have a responsibility to my family, community, and teammates to live above the platform with which God has blessed me. I apologize to my teammates, the Buccaneers organization and fans for letting them down and for not being able to be out there for the first three games of the season. 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.
I now look forward to putting this behind me and I will continue to work hard every day to be a positive influence in my community and be the best person, teammate and leader I can be.”
The Bucs released a statement on the team’s communications Twitter account following the announcement.
According to Rapoport, the NFL addressed the circumstances regarding a future violation of the league’s personal conduct policy.
Winston will be eligible beginning Sept. 30 against the Chicago Bears.
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