Woman accuses Winston of groping her
The NFL is investigating an allegation that Jameis Winston groped a female Uber driver in 2016, which the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has denied.
The Uber driver told BuzzFeed News the incident stemmed from a 2 a.m. ride after a party in Scottsdale, Ariz., on March 13, 2016. The driver said Winston was the only passenger, and that he sat in the front seat and was yelling homophobic slurs at pedestrians. She said he asked the driver to stop for food, and while waiting in a drive-through, reached over and placed his hand on her crotch.
A representative for Winston issued a statement denying the allegations. He said the only reason Winston’s name is attached to the allegation is because the quarterback’s Uber account was used to call the ride. Winston reiterated his denial on Twitter and Instagram on Friday. Among his comments:
“I believe the driver was confused as to the number of passengers in the car and who was sitting next to her. ... While I am certain that I did not make any inappropriate contact, I don’t want to engage in a battle with the driver and I regret if my demeanor or presence made her uncomfortable in any way.”
Winston was accused of rape by a fellow student while at Florida State and settled her civil lawsuit in December 2016. Charges never were brought against Winston, who denied the accusation, as prosecutors said there wasn’t enough evidence to win a conviction and there were gaps in the woman’s story. Gabbert gets start
Blaine Gabbert will get his first start for the Arizona Cardinals when they visit Houston on Sunday.
Drew Stanton, the starter the last two games, bruised a knee last week and has been limited in practice.
Gabbert has a 9-31 record. He has completed 56% of his passes for 7,351 yards and 38 touchdowns with 37 interceptions.
Fitzgerald extended
Larry Fitzgerald has signed a one-year contract extension with Arizona.
The 34-year-old leads the NFC with 60 catches and led the NFL with 107 last year. He is just the sixth player to reach 15,000 yards receiving.
Wilson’s jaw f ixed
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson had to get his jaw realigned after a big hit in last week’s 22-16 win over Arizona.
The NFL reviewed the way Seattle handled its evaluation of Wilson for a possible concussion, but Friday he told reporters, “I was completely fine. My jaw got busted up pretty good.”
Etc.
Denver Broncos general manager John Elway defended his coaches amid a five-game losing streak but said “we got a little bit soft” after a 3-1 start . ... The Detroit Lions have ruled out defensive end Ezekiel Ansah for Sunday against Chicago because of a back injury. Guard T.J. Lang is expected to play after missing a game with a concussion . ... Kansas City Chiefs pass rushers Tamba Hali and Dee Ford and defensive lineman Allen Bailey have been ruled out Sunday against the New York Giants.