NFL opens investigation

NFL NOTEBOOK

The NFL is investigating an allegation that Jameis Winston groped a female Uber driver in 2016, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has denied the allegation on his social media accounts.

The NFL is investigating an allegation that Jameis Winston groped a female Uber driver in 2016, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has denied the allegation on his social media accounts.

The Buccaneers acknowledged the allegation on Friday and released a statement saying they are in the "process of obtaining further information regarding today's media report. We take these matters seriously and are fully supportive of the investigation that is being conducted by the NFL."

The NFL also released a statement saying that it has reached out to Uber to request more information.

The Uber driver told BuzzFeed News the incident stems from a 2 a.m. ride after a party in Scottsdale, Arizona, 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 then asked the driver to stop for food, and while waiting in a drive-thru, reached over and placed his hand on the woman's crotch.

A representative for Winston, Russ Spielman, issued a statement denying the allegations. He said the only reason Winston's name is attached to the allegation is because his Uber account was used to call the ride.

Winston reiterated his denial in postings on Twitter and Instagram on Friday.

"A news organization has published a story about me regarding an alleged incident involving a female Uber driver from approximately two years ago," the quarterback wrote. "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."

Winston has been at the center of a previous sexual assault allegation.

Cardinals sign Fitzgerald to 1-year extension

Larry Fitzgerald has signed a contract to return to the Arizona Cardinals for a 15th season, if he decides to play at all.

The one-year extension announced Friday with arguably the most popular player in Cardinals franchise history does not mean Fitzgerald will play football next season. Only that if he does, it will be with one of the only teams he has played with in the NFL, with the other being the Minnesota Vikings.

Fitzgerald, among the NFL career leaders in virtually all receiving statistics, has not said whether he intends to play after this season.

Cardinals QB Gabbert to start at Houston

Blaine Gabbert will get his first start for the Arizona Cardinals when they play the Texans in Houston on Sunday.

Coach Bruce Arians announced the decision after Friday's practice.

Drew Stanton, the starter the last two games, bruised his knee early in the Thursday night loss to Seattle last week. He stayed in the game but has been limited in practice all week.

"Drew has made really good progress," Arians said, "so it will probably be a game-time decision as to whether he's the backup."

If Stanton can't go, Gabbert's backup will be recently signed Matt Barkley.

Gabbert was the third quarterback until Carson Palmer broke his arm against the Los Angeles Rams in London and was lost for the season.