QB ‘GRABBED MY CROTCH’
Uber driver slams NFL’s Winston
UBER DRIVER ACCUSES JAMEIS WINSTON
TAMPA BAY quarterback Jameis Winston’s reputation took another hit Friday as the NFL opened an investigation into claims that the star signalcaller grabbed an Uber driver’s crotch.
Though Winston vehemently denied the allegation, the accuser recounted in great detail the March 30, 2016, ride that featured the athlete shouting homophobic slurs at strangers before groping her in a fast-food drive-thru.
The woman, speaking to Buzzfeed News, recalled how Winston “reached over and he just grabbed my crotch” — leaving his hand in place until she finally said something.
“What’s up with that?” the dazed victim asked.
The “three-to-five-second” incident ended with a chastened Winston removing his hand from her lap outside the Mexican restaurant in Scottsdale, Ariz., around 2 a.m.
“It wasn’t my stomach or my thigh,” the driver insisted. “It was my crotch and I want to be clear about that.”
The driver, identified only as Kate in the story, opted not to bring charges over fears of a backlash. But the recent outpouring of #metoo stories and allegations against other high-profile men changed her mind.
“He sexually assaulted me, and I have every right to tell the damn truth,” the driver said. “... I have been empowered by my sisters who have forged this path by speaking up, and I must do my part to make it a little more traveled.
“If I’m silent, I fear that further harm will come to other women — if it hasn’t already.”
The NFL and the Bucs both confirmed they were investigating the allegations of sexual misconduct.
Winston, 23 and in his third year with the Bucs, issued a Friday afternoon statement declaring his innocence — and suggesting another passenger was to blame.
“This story falsely accuses me of making inappropriate contact with this driver,” said Winston. “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.”
The driver identified Winston as her only passenger and said the quarterback sat in the front passenger seat.
A statement from Uber confirmed the driver reported the groping, and Winston acknowledged his Uber account was suspended despite his protestations.
“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,” he said.
While at Florida State, a female student accused Winston of rape — although charges were never brought against the athlete due to a lack of evidence.
A civil lawsuit brought against Winston by the woman was settled out of court last year. Details of the deal were not made public.
Winston was also busted in college after shoplifting $32 worth of crawfish and crab legs from a Florida supermarket.