Barber On Tom Jones: Unfair To Jameis Winston
June 24th, 2018
The national talk of the NFL is the Buccaneers’ franchise quarterback. But there’s also heavy chatter about the guy who wants Jameis Winston run out of town immediately.
Plenty of respected analysts are wagging a finger of shame at Tom Jones, the Tampa Bay Times columnist who floated the bold take last week that the Bucs should never have Jameis take another snap because he committed a “sexual assault.”
Never mind that there’s no clear evidence of that — and he was only accused of a five-second crotch-grab of an unnamed female uber driver two years ago.
NBC Sports Radio host Tiki Barber, Ronde’s brother, said Jones went too far.
“We don’t know if it’s true. And so to cut him because of an allegation, simply because it somewhat ties to his sordid history when he was at Florida State, I think is premature. And I think it’s unfair to Jameis Winston,” Barber said of Jones’ column.
“My only issue is [Jones] throws in the word ‘alleged’ which kind of distances him from accusing Jameis Winston,” Barber continued. “But then personifies him with a characterization that is disgusting and despicable and not responsible, and this is not what the Bucs espouse. He’s talking about of both sides of his mouth. It’s what journalists do some time to make a point in a column. It’s kind of unfair.”
Barber went on to say Jameis will lose the battle for public opinion initially.
“This is really damning for Jameis’ reputation, more importantly for the Bucs’,” Barber said. ” Whether’s it’s true or not almost doesn’t matter, but we’re going to assume that it is. Because he’s constantly in peril’s way, perceptual peril’s way.
“Always he seems to be right where something bad is occurring, and it’s led now to a suspension. And if you think the NFL is being unfair, it may be, but it doesn’t matter. The NFL can do whatever it wants.”
As for Ryan Fitzpatrick, Barber insists the Bucs will open 0-3 if Jameis isn’t available. He’s confident the opening opponents, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, are simply that much better than the Bucs minus Jameis.
June 24th, 2018 at 11:02 pm
Guilty or not, he seems to find himself in bad situations. Just like at FSU, no one knows the truth except him and the driver, and unfortunately because of his past, he is going to be judged in the court of public opinion. Is it fair, no, but that’s how it works. Is Jameis a good QB, yes, but do his skills outweigh his possible lingering offfield issues? That’s up to the Glazers to decide. My own thought is that the Bucs move on. Fitzpatrick is a good QB and deserves a chance to be the full time starter. I think that he is more mature than Jameis and won’t have the offfield issues, and right now, the Bucs need a beacon of light in wake of the black eye that Jameis issues are causing.
June 24th, 2018 at 11:08 pm
Yeah Joel I hope Ryan Fitz would be more mature he is 38. We are not in better hands with a 38 year old journeyman. Put down the bourbon tomorrow is Monday weekend is over. And what are his lingering off field issues. This is the only incident he has had except pushing Lattimore in the back of the head sticking up for his team and saying get your butt to your sideline we aren’t having any of that crap on our sideline.
June 24th, 2018 at 11:09 pm
I wouldn’t pay attention to everything the media says should be done. We all know they are just trying to get people to listen to their stories and improve ratings. Personally I would keep Winston with the Bucs and remind him at the end of the season he needs to accept a smaller contract. That way it protects the Bucs and allows them flexibility with the salary cap. If Winston has any integrity at all he will understand and accept this. Right now it’s all a he said she said investigation but the NFL is in charge and he has to accept the hand he is dealt. Good luck Jameis I will be praying for you and the Bucs.
June 24th, 2018 at 11:11 pm
You do remember that Fitzpatrick through 6 interceptions in a week 17 game to clinch a playoff berth. Or do you not know anything about him except he went 2-1 last year. And looked gun shy and threw about ten balls that could have been picked. Anytime he feels pressure he just gets rid of it in the field of play.he is what he is a serviceable backup. Who may when you a game when the starter is hurt. But if he starts for any prolonged period his true spots will come out.
June 24th, 2018 at 11:50 pm
Tom Jones is not the only sports media figure to say this.
When the NFL report comes out, and if is damning to Winston, a lot of these Winston defenders will either be totally silent or be changing their tunes.
June 24th, 2018 at 11:54 pm
I don’t care what they do with Jameis Winston. I’m more worried about who’s starting week one and it my man the Amish Slinger! If he gets a good offensive line working for him he can be lethal!
June 24th, 2018 at 11:54 pm
Dimes to DeSean Jackson!!!!
June 24th, 2018 at 11:56 pm
Lol! yeah Joel put the bourbon down, the weekend is over!
I do not want Fitzpatrick as a fulltime starter–he does not deserve it–he is not good, hardly serviceable. Sorry but Fitzpatrick is not a “beacon of light”
At worse Jameis was highly intoxicated and per Kate was acting badly and placed his hand on her private on top of jeans, no mention of grabbing and no way she let him leave it there for 5 seconds without saying something sooner.
Jameis should be made to get counseling and endure his suspension.
WTF do you want his suspension longer for?–Tiki knows the Bucs have NO chance of a win with Fitzpatrick at the helm first 3 games. Who cares about the black eye the Bucs have–we should only care about winning–when we win the black eye goes away guaranteed.
June 25th, 2018 at 12:06 am
Most of you Jameis haters are so ridiculous–do you think the Cowboys care about how they are perceived? Remember Greg Hardy–he beat the living daylights out of a girl and they had all of that information and couldn’t wait to make him a Cowboy anyway.
Jameis made a failed attempt at a hookup while highly intoxicated and you folks want him on a cross and off the team and out of football.
Not me–I want Jameis as quarterback as soon as possible and I believe with some interventions( body guard 24/7 to provide witness and security) this sort of problem is history for him
June 25th, 2018 at 1:15 am
“Only a five second crotch grab,” is a disturbing statement. Stop making excuses for the guy.
Look at the scenerios here: Let’s interrupt right there. First, you don’t like an accurate depiction of what Jameis is accused of doing? That’s on you. Second, you’re assuming Joe is making an excuse for Jameis. Joe is not doing anything of the sort, or guessing Jameis is guilty of the inappropriate touching. Love guys like you who want to focus on facts but don’t like the ones out there. –Joe
A) She’s lying. Problem: Why didn’t Winston react more defensively about there not being a crotch grab? He just said, “I was in the backseat and there were others in the car”, rather than “I absolutely never touched her.” Odd. Also, why is Banks lying too?
B) Banks grabbed her crotch. Problem: Why did she accuse Winston instead of Banks? She could easily access Winston’s photos via google. She said, unequivocally, that it was Winston in the front seat and him alone. So, that’s odd if it was Banks the whole time and there were others in the car. Why is she lying if it wasn’t Winston?
C) Winston did it. Problem: He’s our franchise winning quarterback! He’s America’s quarterback, the savior! Oh that doesn’t matter. This scenario checks out.
Winston is a good quarterback, could be elite. But his name is consistently linked to sexual assault, not to mention he hangs out with notably bad dudes. Why? Cause he’s a bad dude too. How does this make you feel about his rape accusation at FSU? Not good with me. Use common sense. He needs to get help and to turn his life around. His behavior can’t be tolerated, not for the sake of wins on the field. We need to be better than that, and so does the NFL.
June 25th, 2018 at 2:37 am
Can’t compare jameis to big Ben or even Kobe, let alone hardybor other violent offenders like him..apples and oranges…treat him like the Lakers did Kobe and this is a NON ISSUE
June 25th, 2018 at 3:53 am
@Barber … “Barber insists the Bucs will open 0-3 if Jameis isn’t available. He’s confident the opening opponents, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, are simply that much better than the Bucs minus Jameis.” That’s a BS statement from a Barber (Tiki) who doesn’t even know the Bucs, and especially THESE BUCS, with all the changes that’ve been made this off-season.
As far as Tom Jones goes, I wish he would … GO that is. Still can’t believe that the local rag let Ira go & kept Jones. Not even worth reading anymore.
June 25th, 2018 at 6:16 am
This entire piece was completely shot to hell with Barber’s own words….” Whether’s it’s true or not almost doesn’t matter, but we’re going to assume that it is.”
June 25th, 2018 at 6:24 am
The alleged assault at fsu was consentual relations. Kinsman story changed so many times and he behavior afterwards didnt fit the profile of a victim (wanting to take a test the day after, being associated with th the am still). Jameis may have been impaired and made the wrong judgement this instance. He might of been in the back seat the whole time and did nothing? We don’t know as lthere is no physical or visual evidence she was assaulted, just her word. For all we know, the gal could have lied about the drive thru and the two were making out and he started to grab/pet her down there. For all we know she could have an ax to grind with Winston. For all we know she is telling the complete truth and whether drunk or not Winston has no excuse of going to far. For all we know Winston may have gotten off the ride with Darby; the nfl investigation isn’t out yet. We will see how far down the culpable path the nfl chooses to go down with their investigation findings.
I do know that Winston just turned 22 when this happened. I am not excusing his behavior and he needs examination and scrutiny. However, I can give him a pass for an allegation thatis fodder in the nfl’s kangaroo court, and folly in an actual courtroom.
June 25th, 2018 at 6:27 am
Err Kinsman’s action didnt fit the lrofile of a victim. Her wanting to take a test the morning after and being asssocitatee with the team.
June 25th, 2018 at 6:32 am
Fire the cannons,
I dont know about “A beacon of light”
But fitz was 2-1
June 25th, 2018 at 6:37 am
Once you get out the Tampa/FSU perspective….Jameis is not well thought of…
June 25th, 2018 at 6:39 am
– and Jameis was 3-10
Fitz was a winner!
Same team, Jameis was a loser
You are who your record says you are.
And Im sure Tiki thoght we’d go 0-3 last year
June 25th, 2018 at 7:02 am
I had t read the comment a few times”and he was only accused of a five second crotch grab”. That is so stupid I cannot begin to tell you obviously you would be okay with this if it was your child or wife who was the driver??
Why does a truthful depiction about what Jameis is accused of trouble you? You assume Joe thinks it’s no big deal? That’s neither fair nor accurate.–Joe
June 25th, 2018 at 7:07 am
Tom jones’s take is at one end of the journalist spectrum on Jameis
And joe bucs is at the other end
Simple as that. Other buc websites are concerned about Jameis behavior.
Joe is very concerned about Jameis’ behavior, primarily the kind of behavior we are certain actually occurred.–Joe
June 25th, 2018 at 7:53 am
It’s exactly what I expected from Tom Jones. He is never really happy unless he is spouting off about how the world is all messed up and he ain’t happy about it. You can always count on Jones being the first one to jump on the bandwagon. That’s what he does.
June 25th, 2018 at 8:34 am
Only in the NFL can unsupported allocations by an unnamed source be cause for suspension. If he did it, he deserves appropriate retribution. But to punish him for hearsay is overstepping league authority in my opinion. He has the right to confront his accuser, and demand proof.
June 25th, 2018 at 8:39 am
It all depends on how Jameis plays once he returns. If he lights it up and goes 10-3 or 9-4, he’s back in everyone’s good graces. If he comes back and struggles, the Bucs will realize he’s just not worth the hassle.
June 25th, 2018 at 8:50 am
This will be appealed by the players union and result in a 1 game suspension…
June 25th, 2018 at 8:58 am
Once again…Jameis is NOT getting suspended for crotch grabbing. He is getting suspended for not reporting the accusation.
June 25th, 2018 at 9:02 am
Steve why do you act like women always tell the truth about things like this.how do know he did it? You don’t know. How many women did you try to get in bed and you touch them n they said no n you left them along . If that’s what happen to Winston 5 second touch and she said stop and he did stop . That can happen to any single man that love women in a bar. So I’m ready to move on from this .cap Tim. Fizpatrick is trash the bucs beat 2 bottom feeders so what happen when we played the falcons he was bad and he was healthy. What did Winston do the falcons. So save that bill portsale junk. He couldn’t win nothing without LT. Football is a team game. Fizpatrick is trash n always will be so keep thinking he’s a winer go ask the 8 teams he played for the jets had a good team he threw 6ints n miss the playoffs he never played in a playoff game and been in the league for 12 or 13 years n now he’s a winer man please lol lol lol !!!!!!!!
June 25th, 2018 at 9:24 am
Really odd the fans in this town. Suddenly Fitz is better than Winston and that is going overboard. First it was only a issue with fumbling that people complained about now it’s he’s not good? A lot of fans are losers overreacting to allegations that he hasn’t been suspended for yet and what’s worse is acting like it just happened last week because more news came out. Yes I think he lied but it was still over two years ago. It didn’t just happen last week morons
Still the truth is it’s about football and if he comes back from suspension and leads us to the playoffs this year and next week this won’t be talked about. It’s an issue that is only our there because people don’t think he’s good. If he played like Tom Brady noon if you would be this hard on him proving that regardless it is about football….. Where did all the highly ethical people come from that have never made mistakes in their life who do the right thing even when the are drunk. I bet some of you drink drivers with no license or child abusers are out there no one knows who you are because your not important but have a bad rap and are here piling on a guy
June 25th, 2018 at 9:34 am
The thing that disgust me the most about this situation is the leagues timing of the suspension, they knew about the second Uber ride so if he’s being suspended for lying that could’ve been announced we’ll before the draft. There are several good QBs out there that would’ve taken a flyer on the Bucs for cheap… bridgewater, Bradford just to make a few. Hell we could’ve drafted Jackson. I like Winston and hopes he can bounce back but the league punished us twice with this one.
June 25th, 2018 at 10:01 am
Half the people here who want him gone are new accounts…probably division rival fans.
June 25th, 2018 at 10:22 am
Bonzai
If I were a division rival, I’d want him to stay right where he is. He’s a one man wrecking crew, and has the front office in complete limbo.
June 25th, 2018 at 11:06 am
Ironic to hear Tiki take the high moral ground
June 25th, 2018 at 11:39 am
James says… I ain’t going nowhere, don’t try to send me nowhere, don’t look for me to go nowhere, cause I’m not going anywhere.
June 25th, 2018 at 11:55 am
Kinsman claimed that she was drugged.
Kinsman claimed that she was drunk.
Kinsman claimed that she was hit in the head repeatedly and knocked unconscious.
Kinsman claimed that Jameis friends witnessed the rape and told him to stop.
World renowned criminal pathologist Dr. Bruce Goldberger of the University of Florida pathology laboratories, who the FBI uses regularly, tested Kinsman’s rape kit and determined that no drugs were present in her system.
Dr. Goldberger was chosen by Kinsman’s attorneys to conduct the test after the State’s first test showed no drugs in Kinsman’s blood to hopefully contradict that first finding. It did not.
Dr. Goldberger examined the blood alcohol from the rape kit and determined that Kinsman’s BAC was 0.04. The legal limit for intoxication in Florida is 0.08. Kinsman was not drunk.
The nurse who conducted the rape kit found no evidence of any head trauma. The nurse stated that the only wounds to Kinsman were abrasions on her knees and right foot. No other evidence could be found to lead the nurse to conclude that the physical evidence was consistent with rape.
Winston’s friends state they witnessed consensual sex and attempted to join in and videotaped it.
State Attorney Meggs stated the evidence from the phone does not show rape.
Because of all of that, State Attorney Meggs concluded that Kinsman was not credible.
Because of all of that, Democratic appointment by Governor Chiles, former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Harding concluded that Kinsman was not credible in the investigation.
Thank the lord for Chief Justice Harding, State Attorney Meggs (who has made a career of prosecuting athletes in high profile cases) and Dr. Goldberger and their examination of the evidence.
Otherwise, individuals in the media like Tom Jones or Keyshawn Johnson would easily allow for a Kill the Mockingbird situation to occur. Wonder why Tom Jones doesn’t talk about those facts? Makes you think.
Unless you can show me tangible physical evidence that what this Uber driver said happened, the preponderance has not been concluded beyond a reasonable doubt. He said she said is not evidence that any judge or prosecutor considers. Trust me, as a person professionally involved in many divorce proceedings, mediators, judges and attorneys shut down any he said she said things unless there is tangible evidence (texts, emails, etc.) to back it up.
June 25th, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Re:
“Let’s interrupt right there. First, you don’t like an accurate depiction of what Jameis is accused of doing? That’s on you. Second, you’re assuming Joe is making an excuse for Jameis. Joe is not doing anything of the sort, or guessing Jameis is guilty of the inappropriate touching. Love guys like you who want to focus on facts but don’t like the ones out there. –Joe”
Joe, I don’t like an accurate depiction? You downplaying his accusation is my problem here: “he was only accused of a five-second crotch-grab of an unnamed female uber driver two years ago.” You also said “sexual assault” in quotes just before that. So… grabbing and holding onto the girl’s crotch isn’t really sexual assault, or at least not that big a deal?
You are essentially suggesting, “even if he’s guilty, it was only a crotch grab! Not really sexual assault!” Going up to a girl and grabbing her crotch, holding it for five seconds is 100% sexual assault and downplaying that in any way is not okay.
“Love guys like you who want to focus on facts but don’t like the ones out there.” Huh? What facts don’t I like, exactly? Please enlighten me.
June 25th, 2018 at 1:08 pm
Kinsman claimed that she was drugged.
Kinsman claimed that she was drunk.
Kinsman claimed that she was hit in the head repeatedly and knocked unconscious.
Kinsman claimed that Jameis friends witnessed it and told him to stop.
World renowned criminal pathologist Dr. Bruce Goldberger of the University of Florida pathology laboratories, who the FBI uses regularly, tested Kinsman’s kit and determined that no drugs were present in her system.
Dr. Goldberger was chosen by Kinsman’s attorneys to conduct the test after the State’s first test showed no drugs in Kinsman’s blood to hopefully contradict that first finding. It did not.
Dr. Goldberger examined the blood alcohol from the rape kit and determined that Kinsman’s BAC was 0.04. The legal limit for intoxication in Florida is 0.08. Kinsman was not drunk.
The nurse who conducted the kit found no evidence of any head trauma. The nurse stated that the only wounds to Kinsman were abrasions on her knees and right foot. No other evidence could be found to lead the nurse to conclude that the physical evidence was consistent with Kinsman’s allegations.
Winston’s friends state what they witnessed consensual and attempted to join in and videotaped it.
State Attorney Meggs stated the evidence from the phone does not show what Kinsman alleged.
Because of all of that, State Attorney Meggs concluded that Kinsman was not credible.
Because of all of that, Democratic appointment by Governor Chiles, former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Harding concluded that Kinsman was not credible in the investigation.
Thank the lord for Chief Justice Harding, State Attorney Meggs (who has made a career of prosecuting athletes in high profile cases) and Dr. Goldberger and their objective examination of the evidence.
Otherwise, individuals in the media like Tom Jones or Keyshawn Johnson would easily allow for a Kill the Mockingbird situation to occur. Wonder why Tom Jones doesn’t talk about those facts? Makes you think.
Unless you can show me tangible physical evidence that what this Uber driver said happened, the preponderance has not been concluded beyond a reasonable doubt. He said she said is not evidence that any judge or prosecutor considers. Trust me, as a person professionally involved in many divorce proceedings, mediators, judges and attorneys shut down any he said she said things unless there is tangible evidence (texts, emails, etc.) to back it up.
June 25th, 2018 at 1:17 pm
All this for a guy who cant even get 20 wins in three seasons, cant throw a ball with accuracy past 20 yards, and the 4th best quarterback in his own division. Yeah I think it’s fair to say he isnt worth the trouble. Some of you would sell your soul to the devil for a playoff appearance. Sad sad sad
June 25th, 2018 at 1:26 pm
He’s right, bottom line is innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately a lot of people like to assume, especially the haters.
June 25th, 2018 at 2:08 pm
There is no police report, there is no criminal investigation. No one will ever know if there is guilt or innocence, one way or the other. Iyt will never be adjudicated.
I do believe that the Shield believes Kate, and so do I for that matter. She has no reason to lie.
I also believe The Shield pressed Jameis and Darby and they fessed up. Because it isn’t a full on r**e, they may have said something like “tell the truth now and you won’t get six games”
All of this is imho, and I in no way condone Jameis’ actions, no matter how “slight” the assault, it’s still assault. Because it is and because Kate feels it was. Gotta go with the victim here.
June 25th, 2018 at 2:13 pm
Eric- exactly. More trouble than hes worth. Despite all the excuses- Jameis is NOT a franchise QB
Bellegladebuc- that witness- the friend of Jameis,
Wasnt that Ronald Darby?
Yeah- there goes that credibility.
And exactly how long was it,from the time of the Alleged Rape- until the Alleged Victim was examined?
You kinda left that out.
Imo, Jameis got a pass. FSU needed him. This girl was probably very drunk- and Jameis had a witness.
Ronald Darby.
Im disgusted with all of these self entitled football perverts and sexual predators. Our Fandom results in them making Millions.
You should read the report of Ben Rapelisbergs alleged event. Allegedly drug a girl in the restroom, and allegedly raped her- while his bodyguards allegedly prevented her friends from getting in the restroom to help her.
I havent watched a Steeler game since.
The NFL ,and its sexual predator players, sucks
June 25th, 2018 at 4:48 pm
@Capt Tim
I left nothing out.
You must be ignorant to the fact that State Attorney Meggs has made a career out of prosecuting FSU football players. Darnell Dockett, Greg Dent, Peter Warrick, and Travis Johnson (for rape).
State Attorney Meggs has more credibility and knowledge than either of us in regards to this case. Meggs stated that based on the evidence Kinsman was not credible.
Chief Justice Harding has much more credibility or expertise on this case than either of us (he’s in the history books because of Gore v Bush. I don’t think you have that kind of credibility, but I could be wrong). Harding stated that based on the evidence Kinsman was not credible.
kit was done the day after the night of the alleged incident. If head trauma occurred as Kinsman stated to the police, up to the point of knocking her unconscious, then those wounds would still be very evident. Per the examination, the nurse who examined her stated that the only wounds to Kinsman were abrasions on her knees and right foot. No other bodily injuries ere found.
If drugs were used, they would still be in her system per Dr. Goldberger’s sworn testimony. Dr. Goldberger’s expert analysis stated that no drugs were present in her system.
I’ll trust the experts like Chief Justice Harding, State Attorney Meggs and Dr. Goldberger. You know, people who have law degrees or medical degrees, when it comes to a criminal case and medical evidence.
I guess you trust Keyshawn Johnson and Tom Jones. One has a BA in history and the other in Journalism.
You understand that Kinsman changed her sworn testimony to the authorities multiple times, right?
One thing I did leave out was Kinsman’s family. They love to call African Americans the N word. Dade City’s Finest. There is that.
June 25th, 2018 at 5:19 pm
My boy jameis, smarten up. Escorts bro…
June 26th, 2018 at 6:23 pm
If true what is the difference between what Jameis Did and what Trump did.
Trump went on to win the Presidency.
June 28th, 2018 at 7:00 pm
I wouldn’t cut Winston,at least not yet,but while he’s serving his three-game suspension, were I Bucs management, I’d force Winston to take a battery of psychological tests which may determine his mental state and if he’s likely to re-offend. If he refused ,of if the test showed he might revert to his former behavior, I’d part with him. Then,I’d demand that he sign a zero-tolerance clause stating that if he is seriously out of line again,he’s history. At 24,there’s still time for Winston to improve on and off the field,but he can’t keep screwing up, as he’s yet to realize his great potential.
June 28th, 2018 at 7:02 pm
Wonder if Winston voted for your P-Grabber-In-Chief ?