The NFL is investigating a claim from a former Uber driver, who says Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston sexually assaulted her in Arizona. Buzzfeed obtained a letter from Lisa Friel, the NFL’s special counsel for investigations, which was sent to the woman (named as only "Kate" to protect her identity) who accused Winston of groping her crotch.
“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 letter said. The league takes allegations of this nature very seriously and has opened an investigation into this matter.”
The alleged incident occurred around 2 a.m. on March 3, 2016 in Scottsdale, Ariz. The former Florida State Heisman Trophy winner is accused of reaching over from the passenger seat to grab Kate's crotch. The accuser told Buzzfeed that she does not want money, and felt compelled to come forward after recent sexual assault claims that have been made against other celebrities.
Kate filed a complaint with Uber on March 13, 2016 which said in part, “apparently a big athlete in the nfl” reached over “and put his fingers on my crotch.” She added: “...it wasn’t my stomach or thigh, it was my crotch and I want to be clear about that.” Kate ended her incident report with Uber stating, “He is NOT safe for other drivers.”
Winston was eventually banned from Uber, and his account was removed by the company.
“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 well traveled,” Kate said. “If I’m silent, I fear that further harm will come to other women, if it hasn’t already.
“He sexually assaulted me, and I have every right to tell the damn truth about it.”
In December 2016, Winston settled a civil lawsuit with a woman, who claimed the quarterback raped her during his stint at Florida State.
"I did not rape or sexually assault [name redacted]. I did not create a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment in the short period of time that we were together," Winston said in a statement as part of a Florida State State code of conduct hearing, obtained by USA Today.
Winston's agent, Russ Spielman, has denied the latest allegation against his client.
"We categorically deny this allegation," Spielman said in a statement. "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."
The Buccaneers declined to comment on the matter.
