Bucs QB Winston sued for alleged groping incident

[September 19, 2018]  Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston was sued in federal court in Arizona on Tuesday by the Uber driver who alleges he groped her during a ride she was giving him in March 2016, according to documents obtained by USA Today.

Winston is the only defendant named as the driver -- identified as Kate P. -- seeks punitive damages of more than $75,000 and a trial for "past, present and future emotional pain and suffering, and past and future economic losses in amounts to be determined by the jury."

When the allegations became public last year, the NFL embarked on a long investigation and determined the story was "consistent and credible." In June, the league suspended Winston for the first three games of this season.

The NFL said at the time, Winston touched the driver "in an inappropriate and sexual manner without her consent."

According to records, the driver said she picked up Winston at the International Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., around 1:41 a.m., where another man approached her car and called her "hot" and told Winston he should sit up front.

Winston did, and she alleged that he "became belligerent," swore and used racial slurs out the window during the drive.

After Winston requested a burrito, the woman drove him to a restaurant.

According to the suit, while in the drive-through, Winston reached over, "placed his fingers between her legs and pressed them firmly against" her genitals, over her yoga pants.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

She said she looked at him and asked, "What's up with that?" before Winston removed his hand. She then dropped him off at The Camby hotel.

She said she didn't go public with the story until the #MeToo movement convinced her to come forward.

Winston was also accused of sexual assault for an incident in 2012 while he was a student at Florida State, but he was not arrested or charged.

The Buccaneers have yet to comment and may have no contact with Winston while he is suspended.

--Field Level Media

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