Bucs’ Winston suspended 3 games
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open the season without quarterback Jameis Winston, who has been suspended three games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Winston said in a statement released on Facebook that the NFL informed him of their decision yesterday. The discipline stems from the league’s investigation of an accusation that the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner groped a female Uber driver during a ride the quarterback took in Arizona, where Winston was attending a charity event in March 2016.
The driver did not file a criminal or civil complaint, however she reported the incident to Uber. The NFL learned of the allegation, when it was reported publicly last November.
“The league promptly initiated a comprehensive investigation that included interviews with several persons, including the driver, Winston and others with relevant information,” the NFL said in a statement announcing the suspension. “The league also examined an extensive amount of other evidence, including telephone records, business records, data from electronic devices and other communications.”
The Bucs drafted Winston No. 1 overall in 2015, despite questions about the young quarterback’s behavior during his college career at Florida State . . . .
The NFL fined former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson $2.75 million following its investigation into sexual and racial misconduct in the workplace.
The league said the investigation substantiated the allegations against Richardson, that the improper conduct was limited to him and that the team and its ownership failed to report the allegations or any resolution agreements to the league.
George considers option
Paul George has decided not to exercise his $20.7 million option for next season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, a person with knowledge of the situation said. George will become an unrestricted free agent on Sunday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither George nor the team has publicly announced his decision.
By not opting in to the final year of his existing deal, George opens up an array of possibilities — such as going elsewhere, possibly to the Los Angeles Lakers, or signing a new deal with Oklahoma City . . . .
Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach — and Framingham native — David Blatt is joining European basketball powerhouse Olympiakos on a two-year deal.
Rooney signs with MLS
Wayne Rooney is coming to Major League Soccer with D.C. United, signing a 31⁄2-year designatedplayer contract and is expected to make his debut July 14 when the team opens its new stadium.
The 32-year-old is the all-time leading scorer for England’s national team and Manchester United in the Premier League . . . .
New England Revolution defender Chris Tierney underwent successful ACL surgery and will miss the rest of the season . . . .
Freshman Kevin Abel threw a two-hitter for his record fourth win in the College World Series, and Oregon State beat Arkansas, 5-0, in Omaha, Neb., for the national championship in the deciding Game 3. It is the Beavers’ third title and first since 2007.