Today we learned of a new incident revolving around sexual assault and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ QB, Jameis Winston.
According to Buzzfeed, the accuser, an Uber driver in Arizona, said the Bucs’ QB groped her in March of 2016.
The driver stated that after she, identified as Kate in the story, picked up Winston, the drama started.
I started driving, and right away, Jameis behaved poorly said Kate, stating that he was yelling homophobic slurs at people outside. She drove to a drive-thru of a fast food restaurant when he reached over and he just grabbed my crotch, said Kate. He left it there for a few seconds and removed it after she said Whats up with that?
I wasn’t just creeped out, said Kate. I was frozen.
I mean he’s an NFL quarterback and Im 5 ft 6. Im not prepared for that. So I completely froze, she said.
The League reached out to the driver with a letter stating the following.
“The League has been informed that you may have been the victim of such a violation perpetrated by Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Jameis Winston. The league takes allegations of this nature very seriously and has opened an investigation into this matter.”
In response, Winston and his representative, Russ Spielman, issued a statement denying the allegations.
“We categorically deny this allegation. It is our understanding the Uber driver was unable to identify the specific individual who allegedly touched this driver inappropriately. The only reason his name is being dragged in to this is that his Uber account was used to call the ride.”
Russ was asked about the NFL’s letter and he responded, “I don’t have a comment on that, what you’re hearing is the first time I’m hearing about that.”
Winston tweeted out a statement as well:
“A news organization has published a story about me regarding an alleged incident involving a female Uber driver from approximately two years ago. 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,” he said.
“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 dont want to engage in a battle with the driver and I regret if my demeanor or presence made her uncomfortable in any way.”
We will keep you updated on this developing situation.
