Report: Bucs QB Winston faces 3-game suspension

[June 22, 2018]    Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston reportedly will be suspended for a violation of the NFL's personal-conduct policy at the conclusion of an ongoing league investigation into an alleged incident with an Uber driver in 2016.

ESPN's Adam Schefter cited league sources saying Winston would be banned for the first three games of the 2018 season. Such a punishment would cost the quarterback $124,000 of his $705,000 base salary, per Schefter. Next year, Winston is due for a raise to $20.9 million.

ESPN Tallahassee radio host Jeff Cameron first reported "Winston's camp" anticipates a suspension to arise from the league's probe of the alleged incident from March 2016 with an Uber driver in Arizona.

Part of the reason for the punishment, per the report, is Winston failed to report the allegation to the NFL as required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Also per the CBA, Winston has the right to appeal any punishment.

In March, the Buccaneers re-signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who started three games and went 2-1 last season. Fitzpatrick was in the lineup after Winston injured his shoulder at New Orleans.

Fitzpatrick finished with seven touchdowns and three interceptions in 2017.

Tampa Bay opens the season against the Saints in New Orleans before hosting the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and then facing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium.

Last year, Winston completed 63.8 percent for 3,504 yards with 19 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. The No. 1 overall draft pick in 2015 out of Florida State, Winston has an 18-27 record as a starter in his three NFL seasons.

--Field Level Media

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