Why Jameis Stays

June 24th, 2018

Joe has noticed there seems to be a whole lot of folks wanting the Bucs to cut America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, over this hassle of his with an Uber driver in Arizona.

Of course, people were whipped into a frenzy when Jeff Cameron of ESPN Tallahassee and Sirius XM broke the news that Jameis could be facing a three-game suspension from the NFL — this is not yet an official sentence.

Joe never imagined the Mike Glennon Mob to be so organized underground.

But Joe would be completely shocked if Team Glazer ran off Jameis this year. Why?

Jameis is the kind of thrilling quarterback Team Glazer has lusted over for years. Remember, Chucky was jettisoned in January 2009, in part because he rebuffed Team Glazer’s numerous requests to draft and develop a franchise quarterback.

Now the popular consensus is — especially from the haters — that Jameis had an awful year last year. Aside from fumbles (no trivial matter), that simply wasn’t so.

We all know Jameis has put up numbers in that his first three seasons that rank among — or are better than — some of the greatest quarterbacks to have ever taken a snap in the NFL. Chase Stuart of FootballPerspective.com documented that last year Jameis showed why he is so dangerous.

Jameis led the NFL in percentage of passes thrown for first downs. And on third downs, only Jimmy GQ and Carson Wentz threw for a higher percentage of first down completions in third down situations.

And Team Glazer is going to throw this all away… for who, for what? One-legged Teddy Bridgewater? Career backup Nick Foles? Sam “Injured Reserve” Bradford? Mike Glennon (again)?

Please!

To peel this whole mess down to the cold, brutal black-and- white core, Team Glazer is going to get a bargain with Jameis. Because of this Uber hassle, Team Glazer has massive leverage in Jameis’ contract negotiations. Team Glazer is going to get a top shelf quarterback at a bargain rate, which also means more cash to spread around under the salary cap.

Barring something unforeseen or untoward happening, Jameis isn’t going anywhere soon.

Did the squeaky-clean Steelers run off Ben Roethlisberger?

135 Responses to “Why Jameis Stays”

  1. SCBucsFan Says:

    JW, if he owned up, could save himself. The quiet makes him look horrible.

  2. ShutTheBucUp Says:

    Winning cures everything. But the leash is significantly shorter for everybody this year. I think it’s playoffs or bust for licht and koetter. The Glazer boys trigger fingers have to be tingling by now.

  3. Dooshlarue Says:

    Top shelf Qb?
    Right……

  4. IsrBuc Says:

    wow. that’s a bad one joe. ‘glennon mob’.. how low can you go

  5. Fire the glazers Says:

    So you’re okay with having an alleged r@pist and a liar as the face of your franchise???
    I’m not ever watching the Bucs so long as he is on the field, OR the sideline.
    That’s the line for me. He’s disgusting, and needs to be in jail.

  6. Chris Says:

    Lol, hassle. This guy allegedly grabs a woman in her , and its a hassle. Wish you had a daughter, Joe the troll. I will never support this team while a guy who has zero respect for women qbs this team. Hes a hayseed, buffoon, who will eventually crash and burn. Bye to the Bucs, all the long time posters on here. Cant support a site run by two guys that would support this guy no matter what he does.

  7. put up or shut up Says:

    fire the glazers, i respect your decision, good luck and as bob hope used to say thanks for the memories

  8. Gobucs Says:

    People need to quit talking about playoffs and winning. They’re 6-10 even with Winston all season. Am I the only one looking at the schedule? Who in their right mind thinks this team is ready to start beating super bowl contenders?

    Sheesh.

  9. SteelStudBuc Says:

    Do his teammates really respect him? If Fitz comes out guns a blazin’… u ride the hot QB.

  10. BucNole Says:

    See: Roethlisberger, Ben
    He did some things that are waaaay worse.
    Lets just give this some time and see how it unfolds.
    At the very least (as Joe mentions) we get a good QB for a low price and one that needs to redeem himself.
    Look for a QB in the first 2 rounds next year if he cant get his game going.
    Perhaps this is the thing that finally gets the fire burning in him to become the QB most of us saw in him when he was drafted.
    For those who want to jump ship. . .. cya!!!!!

  11. csidedave Says:

    I have been a season ticket holder for over 30 years and an ardent defender of Jameis since he was drafted in 2015. I believed the mistaken identity claim until the latest news came out. Now I am done with him and will not root for the team or renew my tickets while he is on it.

    It’s more than just the incident. It is the deceit about the whole thing. I don’t believe in him anymore and it is clear that he cannot be trusted and won’t be respected enough to lead this team anymore. It all adds up now and it stinks. I really thought we had our guy.

    Anybody else notice that this latest incident occurred the week after he and his girlfriend were Baptized? He is a phony.

  12. Sc Bucs fan Says:

    I saw the note from Kwan but not only is JW silent, so are his teammates

  13. Cobraboy Says:

    What if Winston wants to go elsewhere because of the perception the Glazers are jobbing him?

  14. Cobraboy Says:

    Winston needs to come 100% clean and cop a mea culpa if he wants any respect from the fanbase.

  15. meh Says:

    I’m done with him even if he was playing like a hall of famer. His public defense was a lie. He was in that Uber alone. I am not interested in giving him another pass. I am not interested in this team if they keep him. That pains me. My first Jersey was Selmon. I already ignored a ton of red flags with Winston, but no more. This is not a trivial, emotional decision for me. Winston needs to be shown the door.

  16. Bucs fan #7423 Says:

    All will be forgiven if Jamies takes us to the playoffs

  17. AlteredEgo Says:

    Jameis is a lair ….hard to have a lair as the leader of your football team….

  18. Bucsfan in MN Says:

    This Winston issue has me very conflicted. I enjoy watching him on the field, but he is certainly a wildcard off the field. There may be a very good opportunity if the front office just slow plays this – no need to make any hasty decisions. Winston is tanking his own value on the market, so if he keeps his nose clean this year there is an opportunity to resign for less money and no guaranteed cash, what other team would get in a bidding war with us? There is an opportunity in this mess if Licht keeps a cool head and lets this play out.

  19. BrianBucs Says:

    JOE

    So then what happens when the next Jameis scandal or incident hits (and we all know it will) then what? More Bucs embarrassment and humiliation for a very average QB.
    Also, if Licht would do the smart thing and contact the Eagles about Nick Foles it would be a HUGE upgraded and improvement at the QB position. You have a Superbowl MVP QB who is a high character man as oppose to a very average QB who brings humiliation and shame to your franchise. Superbowl MVP vs America’s Crotchgrabber.
    Joe, I really like you guys, love your site, have been a long time reader and poster and always will be. That being said, you may have your head up your arse on this issue

  20. Casual Observer Says:

    The Big Ben comparison is appropriate here. Not saying what is right, but the Steelers let much worse behavior go by the boards.

  21. Maze Says:

    Are the Joe’s even married? I’d guess not

  22. Dooshlarue Says:

    csidedave

    All is forgivin if your baptized right?
    Don’t even get me started….

  23. I'm a Tandyman Bucs Fan Says:

    Man!!!! What if all this is true?????? Do we want this kind of Character leading our Team. How would his teammates that are of Character view him? I see nothing but trouble ahead for the entire Bucs Organization. This will be my last comment on this particular subject until all is out, done and over with. Good luck JW 3, you know the truth, live with it Bubba!!!

  24. Joseph Mamma Says:

    Other than the fact that they are both great guy’s and true gentlemen, I don’t really see the comparison between Big Ben and Jameis. Ben Roethlisberger was a proven winner (at least one Super Bowl) before his awful behavior came to light, Jameis came into the league with this crap hanging over his head. Then throw in the Uber accusation coming during the MeToo movement makes this not comparable to the Steeler/Roethlisberger situation.

  25. csidedave Says:

    Dooshlarue I did not intend to imply that. It was not mean with religious implications but to point out that he doesn’t keep his commitments.
    I don’t believe him anymore. He certainly was not sincere and I don’t like fakes. His teamates will see through him and not believe in him over time. Kinda like the faces on some when he ate his fingers.

  26. Ed Says:

    My take is it isn’t about this season, its about the next contract, Winston has to be lights out on the field this season, walk the walk and talk the talk, being honest with the NFL and his fans. Letting lawyers and the NFL settle this with him in the offices without informing the public as to what the reports really say is unfair to followers of the Bucs and to his teamates.

    If Winston acts like this never happened and shows no remorse for his behavior then the team would be stupid to move into the future with him.

    I don’t think he should be fired by the team without formal proof of the sexual contact he is accused of. But the lying and covering up is reason to watch his behavior and should he move past this and reform he deserves one more chance as there is a difference between an accusation and a proved disgression.

    If he does the right things from now forward then if they do resign him they better have a quality young QB waiting in the wings as well as a contract with loads of incentives and behavioral voids. Watch out for guaranteed money.

  27. donuts Says:

    Comparing Winston to Ben R scenario is not valid considering Ben was a SB winning QB at the time of his incident and Winston has yet to lead his team to the post season. Big difference in credibility. Ben also didnt have the college history.

    I think JBF forgets that none of those passing stats they are using to justify keeping Winston matter….the only stat that matters is WINS and he does not have many of those so he could lose his job to Fitz. If Fitz comes out and goes 3-0 to start 2018 and Winston replaces him and goes 0-2 or 1-3, what do you think the fans will be saying? At some point, this train wreck will end; I just hope its not before the Bucs are out of contention again in 2018.

  28. BrianBucs Says:

    I would LOVE to here the conversations that are now going on between the Bucs and all of their corporate sponsors and advertisers.

  29. Pete I Says:

    To bad JW can’t fall back on this “top shelf quarterback” position like Big Ben could. JW currently is only a mid tier QB at best. Accuracy, turnover and character issues, had them in college, still has them, and doesn’t seem to be getting better.

    It’s a dreadful position for the Glaziers, a PR disaster and in this day and age this type of PR is not good to have.

    #3 on JW’s jersey stands for turnovers per game. Glad he didn’t keep #5 from FSU

  30. Roy T. Buford Says:

    This isn’t the Steelers where there is a prison population fan base alone larger than the entire Bucs fan base. This is the Bucs, a small market team, frankly.
    The results on the field (which while may be good for Jameis aren’t great) is not all that you look at with the face of the franchise. Joe seems to be missing the point and seems to be one-diminsional on why Jameis would stay. The negatives seem to be outweighing the positives and will be confirmed if it turns out the news story about Uber rides are confirmed facts–and that can be done before the report actuually hits. Can this be a “love story” about redemption and Jameis earning his way back into hearts of fans and leadership of their team? That ship has sailed as we’ve been to this dance before. We’ve already dealt with one conduct issue centered on lying and a s*x crime. And wanting Jameis gone doesn’t make one a “Jameis h*ater” as much as it means one realizes what he brings on the field is not worth the off field baggage and we don’t to hear about it as long as he’s on the team–and would jade a playoff year anyway. A guy like Foles or Bridgewater would be a bridge, not the future. Yeah, hold onto Jameis for the year–confirm the facts (which will be known before the official report) and plan for the worst. For now, give Cam Brate team captainship, and shop for a bridge QB now. What advantage does team Glazer really have in a deal? Get a developing untrustworthy player at a good price? Seriously? Who is to say Jameis won’t screw his team and fans over (again) anyway?

  31. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    Yes, the groper lost himself…using my best Austin Powers imitation…”ONE MILLION DOLLARS”.

  32. csidedave Says:

    Roy T, that was well thought out. Considering the receivers on this team, an average QB could serve us very well.

    When Jameis came here, I was excited because of the leadership he brought that this team desperately needed. I don’t think he can be an effective leader again so that’s not a factor anymore. Leadership isn’t what you say but what you do.

    Find someone who can hit people in stride and we might just be OK.

  33. Roy T. Buford Says:

    @BrianBucs…right now I doubt the Bucs are talking to anyone about sponsors and adverisers…they are in full recieve mode though and taking it all in. Same as with fans. This is likely about 40% of external input and 60% what the owners feel like. I’d be interested in knowing if Jameis is in the building talking with them or if it’s handlers. Yup, the business decisions matter WRT to marketing and fanbase, but they will fall into place based on any element of trust and honesty Jameis has with the owners. That’s why they aren’t out making statements right now. No business would be saying a word. I’d bet Jameis would like to have this one back, eh? But it may to late for him with this opportunity.

  34. Buc believer Says:

    @Firetheglazers… what year was Jameis convicted???? To my knowledge there has Never been a conviction. I for one wouldn’t want to live in a country where you are guilty without a trial.

  35. meh Says:

    What some of you are missing, including the Joes, is that some things are bigger than football.

  36. Roy T. Buford Says:

    @csidedave said “I don’t think he can be an effective leader again so that’s not a factor anymore. Leadership isn’t what you say but what you do.”

    Exactly…
    Joe talked about not calling him America’s QB when he stops “moving the needle.”

    I agree, an average QB with a good cast around him can probably do that more at this point than JW.

  37. Roy T. Buford Says:

    @Bucbeliever…while some would never get out of the situation…do you stay married to a person who cheats on you, lies to you, and constantly makes your life miserable? People like that aren’t convicted either, but you don’t want to keep them around.

  38. UncleFunkle Says:

    Let’s wait until the report from the NFL comes out. I hope it is full of details, but expect it may be very antiseptic.

    I was a cautious JW fan, but if he did what the Uber driver alleges, that’s WHO HE IS. And he’ll do it again. He’s clearly a goof and occasionally a buffoon, who has massive lapses of judgement on the field and potentially repeat criminal and predatory behaviour off the field. If he did what Kate alleges, he should be gone forever from this team and community. At that point load the canons with him, aim them at Vegas or Dallas and fire the canons and dump the miscreant.

  39. Buc believer Says:

    @RoyTBuford…. if that person were to GENUINELY be sorry for their actions then yes I would stay married to them. That is what is commanded of us and that is what I would do. The vows say for BETTER or for WORSE not until you let me down or piss me off.

  40. Jff Says:

    So Jameis, who lied to fans coaches and fans and made owners look foolish should stay? Because he can throw a football. The untrustworthy embarrassing wannabe franchise QB? Piss off.

  41. Chris Says:

    The type of “thrilling qb?” Wow joe. Wow.
    Moral compass needs some directions for some.

    Anyone see Michelle Beadles’ Rant on this?

  42. Wesley Says:

    The key word here is alleged.

  43. OneBuc55 Says:

    The big question is, Why didnt this Uber driver file a police report if she was assaulted???

    Jameis is an easy target for exploitation. His name is a lightning rod for Internet search engines; media heads use this to their advantage for the good and the bad…Imo, It’s her word against his, and he’ll never get the benefit of the doubt…People keep saying, What if he did this? Why didn’t he say anything? Well, what if he didn’t do this?? Why didn’t he repot it? Maybe he knew he’d be judged negitively either way…

    The bottom line is, this is a classic case of he said, she said…Due to the fact that, she never filed a police report, I dont see how a suspension can be levied…If he does get suspended hopefully it’s just 1 or 2 games…As far as Winston’s future with Tampa Bay is concerned, for the people that want him gone, forget about it. At this point he can be resigned at a significant discount.

  44. AlteredEgo Says:

    Jameis’s inaccuracy on and off the field will tell the tale….
    Drew Lock 2019

  45. Sc Bucs fan Says:

    Some also act like the rest of the NFL players are choirboys while JW is unique. The dirrerence between JW and a couple of players on every team he s JW’s victim said something. If all bad character people got cut then NFL rosters would have huge holes in them.

  46. BrianBucs Says:

    JOE

    So where is the Jameis Winston Confidence Poll?

  47. AlteredEgo Says:

    Speculation on the Walters Football “shady other stuff”….my guess his “friends”….said he him…Dog !…hirer a hooker….now hookers know how to squeeze the John for more….my guess would be Jameis is dealing with hooker dirty blackmail

  48. Sc Bucs fan Says:

    BB,

    Screw the poll. Where is JW?

  49. Roy T. Buford Says:

    @Bucbeliever sadi “…. if that person were to GENUINELY be sorry for their actions then yes I would stay married to them. That is what is commanded of us and that is what I would do. The vows say for BETTER or for WORSE not until you let me down or piss me off.”

    Point well taken. But if it happens more than once, where do you draw the line? Is there a reasonable point where the vows are already broken anyway by the cheater? If what the media reports happened is true, this is a song heard before.

  50. Roy T. Buford Says:

    Let’s assume the outcome is media reports about lying and a con-job are true and we still don’t ever know for sure he groped the driver but we do know he was with her alone in the car…

    So the two extreme positions are, one end is keep Jameis as he is and ride out the suspension and get back to business. The other end is dump him now.

    Usually solutions (right or wrong) are somewhere in between. So…some questions. Is Jameis still the starting QB if he stays on, regardless of how Fitz does? If Fitz does well do they make Jameis earn his starting job back? Does he keep his team captain status if he gets voted as captain again this year…assuming he gets his suspension? Do the Bucs dump his fifth option year if there is a clause to do so? Do they sign him up for a huge $100M payday with a huge clause (including on guaranteed money) tied to behavior?

  51. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    How can you not agree with Joe on keeping Winston….he is (in Joe’s mind only) after all “America’s QB”

    Struggling to be Tampa’s QB…..

    We will get a hell of a deal on his next contract…..that’s a good thing for everyone except Winston & his agent….(imagine what his agent thinks about this)

  52. BrianBucs Says:

    Sc Bucs fan

    He’s in hiding, waiting to see what the Bucs PR people want him to say

  53. Tony LA Says:

    The Joes are casually throwing out the Big Ben comparison without acknowledging what an extremely different world we live in today regarding sexual assault and powerful men having their careers ended when their actions come to light.

    What I have been saying is that 1. You do not throw away 2018 because of Jameis and 2. You no longer coddle him.

    Go get a real starting caliber / younger backup to breathe down Jameis’ neck for his job. Let Jameis hear the fans chanting the backup’s name the next time he fumbles in the red zone.

    Jameis has been put up on a pedestal and enabled his entire life. Don’t gift him anything. He had to fight and earn what he wants from now on. Let him stay for one more chance – fine – but get his replacement for 2018 (not the 2019 draft) on the roster NOW.

    Let’s see what he does when faced with reality.

    And he damn well better make a grand gesture like donating a year’s salary to a sexual Assault victims cause. Period.

    It’s time to let the adults dictate what happens next.

  54. Jeffbuc Says:

    All of you wanting jameis gone because he is a liar. Saying a liar can’t be the face of your franchise. Than how the hell have the patriots been running the league for so long with a liar destroying his cell phone to hide eveidence and then saying he does that every month. And he knew about all the taping of other teams signals. So he is lying about that. And that team is led by on of the most lying deceitful coaches to ever coach. But they are doing just fine and bet all you jameis haters would accept a Tom Brady for jameis trade right now.

  55. Jeebs the Honey Bear Says:

    Jameis is more dangerous to women and Uber drivers than he is on the football field. I was a Jameis supporter until Friday when new details surfaced. All the people saying “he said she said” and that the driver is going after money should be ashamed of themselves. This woman was groped, came forward only to do the right thing. She is not filing a lawsuit, she got a lawyer to protect herself. It’s a scary thing to come forward about abuse, look up the statistics about it. Jameis wanted to ignore this issue, sweep it under the rug, lie about it. He’s been caught, now he’s trying to reach a deal with the NFL to make it go away, just like the last time he was accused. Can we really defend him again? How can we root for him, have him be the face of the franchise, what kind of example are we setting for the children? For the little girls out there, who Jameis previously encouraged to be “quiet and polite.” This guy has to go.

  56. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Giving Jameis a pass…

    Because he is black and there is a history of racial injustice.
    Because he is young and horny and that’s what is to be expected.
    Because he was intoxicated.
    Because he’s a good QB.
    Because he’s a Nole.
    Because he’s a Buc.

    Not of me on any of those factors. For me, I give Jameis a pass if he is brutally honest about what he did or didn’t do and is regretful.

    Then, he gets a pass from me.

  57. Buc4life Says:

    Ask yourselves if Winston fought this harder would it change your mind on him? If Vanderbilt said he was there and nothing happened would you still believe the Uber drivers accounts of that night? I really think the segment of bucs fans that hate Winston will always hate him. Go bucs… believe in Jameis

  58. Roy T. Buford Says:

    @Jeebs…I agree with you on everything except: “This woman was groped, came forward only to do the right thing. She is not filing a lawsuit, she got a lawyer to protect herself. It’s a scary thing to come forward about abuse, look up the statistics about it. ”

    The best I can deduce right now is IF Friday’s reports are true, and given the whole of this issue you bring out (Jameis tried to cover this us), it’s reasonable to think he more than likely did what was alleged. I think lack of hard evidence is all that is keeping a criminal suit from being filed by the State. However, indeed, “Kate” has not filed a civil suit, still wishes to be anonymous, and did report it the next morning to her employer while Jameis said nothing for almost two years, and only then, when it came out.

    What troubles me now is Jameis’s statement of “No fear” of suspension. The fact he said that would not bode well if he’s found to have done a con-job all along as media reports suggest. That makes this not something about two years ago as an more immature young man, but something that happened two months or so ago.

  59. Mike Johnson Says:

    Somebody here said it best, The leash was already tight for the GM and coaches. It just got..skin tight for everybody. If this team does not finish at least 8-8. Look for the Glazer Boyz to..clean house and start fresh. This included the wonder boy from FSU. Fans simply are not going to support the franchise with a losing record or a QB who refuses to mature and grow up. Mariotta may be sqeaky clean. But he’s lookin like a saint conpared to what we got. Like Koetter and his crew, Jameis now has met his..philosopher stone…Perhaps its good in a way. Do or Die for him. Lets see if he can do what we thought he could when we drafted him.We..are..watching..BUCLIFE baby!!

  60. Doctor Stroud Says:

    The fan base is understandably frustrated because of the combination of the team not winning and the larger context of changing attitudes about sexual assault. Focusing only on the lack of winning, the Bucs have lost ten or more games during the past five of the last seven years. Since 2010, the team has finished last in the NFC South six times, had only two winning seasons, no playoff appearances, and four coaches. The news about JW doesn’t help. Is he the answer?

  61. Greg Says:

    Joe what I havent heard anyone address is even if this happened 2 years ago, if they find out that the third party is telling the truth that means Jameis is lying to the Buccaneers TODAY! How can they trust him if hes still lying about it after he tried to hide it?

  62. First Down Tampa Bay Says:

    Thank you Joe. Very well said. This is just an excuse for the day one Jameis Hate group to kick him out of town. After all the losing we’ve done since February 2003 you’d think our “fans” would be ready to do some winning. But no, let’s drive out the best QB this franchise has ever had and set ourselves back 4-5 years AGAIN. Maybe the losing has just become the “status woe” and people are so used to it no one wants to win anymore. This could be the year we FINALLY turn it around, but now I guess we need our cut the franchise quarterback. Not looking forward to another decade of losing but thanks to the Jameis Hate losers it’s beginning to look that way.

  63. Lunchbox Says:

    Drew Lock threw 43 TD’s last year for Missouri. 43 last year alone. Just sayin

  64. Roy T. Buford Says:

    @Buc4Life…to answer your question…if Jameis fought this, it would not change my personal view if the facts end up being he lied/covered up, even if we never know if he did to the Uber driver what is alleged. Yes, some will always be Jameis h*aters because they were before this all started. I never throught he was worth the baggage and also didn’t think Mariota would fit. But I trusted that the Glazers trusted him and that they did their due diligence. So I gave Winston a chance and the benefit of the doubt that the FSU case was nothing. I never cared about crab legs or memes…
    But all this only makes me now believe that Jameis not only knows what the right way to be is, so he does community work, plays up being a guy who helps others, etc. But who he really is may very well be the guy that showed up in Arizona in March 2016…the first period of time he was out of the public eye away from his team. So if the media reports are true, it doesn’t matter to me what Jameis fights or doesn’t. He’d be just a liar who can’t be trusted who can sometimes play football.

  65. JameisNeedsHelp Says:

    Jeebs, everything you have said is correct, HOWEVER, if this is about setting an “example” for the “little girls” out there, as a NATION, that ship sailed nearly two years ago with the election of a certain president whose allegations of sexual assault & pedophilia are orders of magnitude GREATER than what JW has done, in a position with far greater social & civic impact.

    I have two daughters myself, and I also have completely stopped supporting JW. He is his own worst enemy, and the Bucs need to get him some psychological help because he seems to think, both on and off the field, that he can “get away with anything”. This is just poor upbringing–bottom line. Put the guy in a program, but right now, he’s good enough to win with until proven otherwise.

  66. Pete I Says:

    ” Jameis more dangerous to women and Uber drivers than he is on the football field.” Sadly this seems quite true.

  67. Buccernutter Says:

    You haters realize you’re in the minority, right?

    I support #3!!

  68. Joe Says:

    Also, if Licht would do the smart thing and contact the Eagles about Nick Foles it would be a HUGE upgraded and improvement at the QB position.

    If Licht did this he would probably be fired the next day — if you assume Licht would even want to do this. Licht is likely a bigger supporter of Jameis than the Glazers.

  69. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    What makes matters worse in the court of public opinion is who Jameis was hanging with.

    Darby & Brandon Banks……Banks was pending a trial from a 2013 r@pe. He was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to 15 years.

    Now, some will say “It’s a free country and Jameis can hang with who he wishes”

    But… The company you keep. As they say “Cmon Man”

  70. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Joe,

    Light wouldn’t contact anybody about another QB without the blessing of the Glazers…..

  71. Joe Says:

    The Joes are casually throwing out the Big Ben comparison without acknowledging what an extremely different world we live in today regarding sexual assault and powerful men having their careers ended when their actions come to light.

    Google “Roethlisberger, bathroom” and watch what pops up. Yet the saintly Rooney family stuck by him. Comparing what some *think* happened with Jameis and the Uber driver and what happened with Roethlisberer are totally night and day.

  72. JJV Says:

    The Bucs should win at any cost. Forgive Winston. Seek and sign any and all regardless. Why stop at letting him return . Morals and interfaith are for losers. We need to think like the old Raiders team e signing all the bad boys. It worked and they won many games. We just have to trust our team leadership in doing what is right. Winning is all that matters.

  73. BrianBucs Says:

    JOE

    Hard to believe that Licht would be fired for making a HUGE improvement to the team and roster.
    You have to remember, Licht is on the hook for all of Winston’s antics, transgressions and failures, plus the embarrassments and humiliations he causes the franchise

  74. BucEmUp Says:

    All of you idiots willing to cut him and judge him without any evidence….no arrests, no police reports no nothing are a joke. But I guess it’s not too surprising probably the same clowns that wanted Hillary. No justice for the guilty on one hand but convict who you please in the other.

    Hypocrites…

  75. Pete I Says:

    Licht has to be a bigger supporter of Winston than the glazers Joe, he has way more riding on JW than they do. The Glazers will still be owners the day after they fire Licht.

  76. Capt. Blighe Says:

    Obviously The Joe’s have no morals either. Every time Joe types America’s QB I cringe/
    Why insult Joe? The “America’s Quarterback” is a nickname, one that began long before Jameis was drafted. It’s a nickname that can be interpreted many ways. Sorry you take a benign nickname so seriously. –Joe

  77. Pete I Says:

    Big Ben was a winner and didn’t have such a soiled past as JW. It may be night and day but that doesn’t really matter, it’s JW and the Bucs in the news right now and for all the wrong reasons.

  78. BrianBucs Says:

    JOE

    Imagine how good Licht would look if he managed to bring in the Superbowl MVP replace an embarrassment

  79. Roy T. Buford Says:

    @Joe said: “If Licht did this [contacted Eagles about Foles] he would probably be fired the next day — if you assume Licht would even want to do this. Licht is likely a bigger supporter of Jameis than the Glazers.”

    I disagree Licht would be fired for doing that, especially if the Glazers are not as big a supporter of Jameis as the Glazers. Sure, I think it would be a bad move to actually bring him here until the actual facts are known enough to determine the extend of JW’s supposed con job. I’d think Licht would be in the doghouse if he does NOTHING to see what’s reguired to get ahead of this thing before it implodes the whole season. Too early to flush Jameis if the facts are not known, but I also expect they’ll be known at OneBucPlace before the report is actually issued.

  80. Gobucs Says:

    Stop talking about playoffs.

    It’s not happening even with Winston.

    They are not ready to beat super bowl teams.

    If any of you are expecting playoffs you’re gonna be seriously disappointed.

  81. JJV Says:

    Imagine if the Bucs kept all the players that ever got in trouble instead of releasing them. It’s all about winning. If we want character and morals on our team they can join a choir of boy scouts after they won a Superbowl.

  82. JJV Says:

    Winning=money

  83. AlteredEgo Says:

    Capt. Blighe Says:
    June 24th, 2018 at 11:38 am
    Obviously The Joe’s have no morals either. Every time Joe types America’s QB I cringe/
    Why insult Joe? The “America’s Quarterback” is a nickname, one that began long before Jameis was drafted. It’s a nickname that can be interpreted many ways. Sorry you take a benign nickname so seriously. –Joe

    it is not a benign nickname….you are associating America with Jameis’s abhorrent behaviors…which now seem to include lying for further trust in his plight…when it appears his pleas for trust have been found to be based on deceit

  84. csidedave Says:

    Although I am done with him, I do see one path forward.

    If I were his agent or someone close to him I would push full confession, public apology, acknowledgement of his problems and a plan already in place to seek help for the character and apparently alcohol abuse problems.

    Follow that plan and ask for forgiveness and one last chance.

  85. Defense Rules Says:

    @Joe … “Barring something unforeseen or untoward happening, Jameis isn’t going anywhere soon.” I agree Joe … UNLESS Bad Jameis sneaks out of the genie bottle again & gets caught. The faux pas are mounting.

    Jameis’ main problem is that he’s being held to an impossibly high standard, for ‘young Jameis’ at least. Hopefully he matures out of this. Folks finally thought that Good Jameis was here to stay, then presto, out pops Bad Jameis. It’s one thing to let that loose on the field (turnovers); it’s wholly another thing to turn it loose in society.

    Heard a great sermon this morning titled ‘The Influence of Example’. Pastor was talking about how our behavior influences others … both good behavior AND bad behavior. On the bad behavior he noted “Once it’s happened, it’s happened. You can’t take it back.” And that’s what Jameis faces right now.

    Young Jameis was drafted into a very influential position. High standards of behavior were expected (by most but not all). The Uber incident, as reported, was an ugly incident, made even worse by what’s occurred afterwards. But as CS Lewis is quoted as saying “Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn. My God do you learn.” Hopefully Jameis learns from this and learns well.

  86. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Joe….I’ve been pounding the Internet with searches to find Jameis’ nickname “America’s QB”…..nowhere to be found….I find Famous Jameis that he actually wanted to trademark.
    It is my suspicion is the JBF is the source of the nickname and I will continue to suspect that until someone can provide proof it existed prior to JBF naming him that…..

  87. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    SCBucsFan Says
    “JW, if he owned up, could save himself. The quiet makes him look horrible.”

    I’m seeing this kind of statement everywhere. My question is this: how do you know he hasn’t?

    Contrary to fan belief, he is only required to ‘come clean’ to the league and to the team.

    And your statement also assumes guilt. If he was truly guilty, the suspension would have been much longer. No, he was simply suspended for not reporting, which carries a punishment of 3 games according to the rules.

    He was not suspended for groping, as the media and bashers seem to be avoiding mentioning.

  88. JJV Says:

    Ask yourself do you want to win a Superbowl or have a team of saints( no pun intended)?

  89. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    @Tampabaybucfan

    Well duh, lol. Joe himself probably would have told you that is you had bothered to ask. Lol

  90. jmarkbuc Says:

    FDTB

    One player does not make a team. Especially a decidedly average one with mental issues

    Trent Dilfer won a SB. So did Brad Johnson. While having a “Franchise” QB is nice, it’s not the be all end all.

    I’d say Jameis detractors are perfectly justified on this day. Even if he weren’t a misogynistic, megalomaniac he would still be a liar.

    JW doesn’t adhere to the fundamentals of football on the field or the fundamentals of life off of it. I’m as sick of losing as any Buc fan, but how much is a win worth? Did we not learn anything from Gruden?

  91. jmarkbuc Says:

    Bonzai

    “He was not suspended for groping, as the media and bashers seem to be avoiding mentioning.”

    ———————————–
    You don’t know exactly what he will be suspended for. Unless you’ve got a hotline to Goodell’s office.

    Maybe the “bashers” are wrong, maybe they’re not. Personally I don’t think we will ever really know. I expect the shield and OBP to be as vague as possible. Sadly.

  92. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Buccaneer Bonzai

    Why insult Joe? The “America’s Quarterback” is a nickname, one that began long before Jameis was drafted. It’s a nickname that can be interpreted many ways. Sorry you take a benign nickname so seriously. –Joe

    So….Joe doesn’t say he named Jameis “America’s QB” makes it look like someone else did…..could have said:
    It’s a nickname I gave him long before he was drafted…..

    I’d like to know the many “interpretations” of the nickname…..does he mean it to be sarcastic, cynical….insulting……glorifying…..putting him on a pedestal…..is he poking fun at the Cowboys?…….whatever

  93. Reach87 Says:

    Has the report and suspension come out yet? Any facts to base a decision on? All those who proclaim from their high, self-rightious “I don’t really know what he did, if anything but I’m no longer a supporter, he is a criminal, I’ll never watch a game while he’s on the field/while the glazers are supporting this type of activity….the list goes on” horses can leave now. Spew your last morally superior condemnations and go root for the Dolphins or Jags or anyone else. So quick to decide = you probably were looking for a reason to bail already. Bail. Bye. Go Bucs!

  94. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    It is certainly possible that Jameis is being suspended for not reporting and perhaps some dishonesty regarding the investigation and that is why it is only 3 games…..that, perhaps along with some agreement not to appeal.

    It is possible that we may only receive an apology from Jameis regarding not reporting and deception……but not for groping…..that will be an interesting dilemma.

  95. Reach87 Says:

    I should add that many who damn him now with no facts wanted us to tank the last game of the season for a higher draft pick. Thats a moral indicator you may want to consider while we wait for the actual facts and report. Go Bucs!

  96. firethecannons Says:

    I support Jameis. He is a good quarterback but could be better and I am hoping this is his year. I cannot understand why you commenters are so caught up in this. We watch it because it is a game. I do not expect Jameis to be a moral person. I want him to figure out ways to stop throwing interceptions at the magnitude that he does. I am aggravated about this as now he misses 3 games. I am not ready to see him cut from the team over this. Much has changed for him since 2 years ago when this occurred, with some more changes put in place like a security/guardian he should be able to proceed without this kind of problem again.

  97. Dooshlarue Says:

    First down Tampa bay

    Why would it set us back 4-5 years if we let JW go?
    We have sucked the whole time he’s been here.
    Plug in a competent QB who doesn’t make stupid decisions and we change our fortunes immediately.

  98. AlteredEgo Says:

    firethecannons….Jameis has betrayed the trust given to him….simple as that…..this is not Jameis’s first scandal

  99. PSK_BucsFan Says:

    I’m not at a point where I know what I think about this mess. But I do know there is more to the man then his mistakes. I’m very glad that I am measured with more balance than only my screw ups.

  100. Buc believer Says:

    Jameis betrayed no one! He is a good guy and will bring us the championships we want!

  101. tval Says:

    Get em, Joe!!! Well done.

  102. Pete I Says:

    “Jameis betrayed no one! He is a good guy and will bring us the championships we want!”

    Sounds good, when will his play on the field get better?

  103. tval Says:

    Again…this “kate’s“ statement is sketchy, at best, and nefarious at worst. The friends, if true, made jameis a target with “you get to drive a famous…” and her nonsensical “I wanted to show a famous man..” blah. blah. Sure…you are the mother Theresa of women and don’t think your so called “assault” deserved a MILLION DOLLAR check??? Seems like a setup, for future payday, and I’d watch ATTORNEY CLUNE… CLOSELY!!!!!!!!!!! I’m skeptical

  104. AlteredEgo Says:

    Bucbeliver…Half of the debate drafting Jameis was about his off field pluck ups…. the other half was his on field pluck ups….. here we are where we started…. that is not progress

  105. Wausa Says:

    I’m a huge believer in Jameis
    But I do think he needs to speak publicly rather than let the press go with the narrative they want.

  106. tval Says:

    Sc buc believes “polls”now….BWAHAHAHAHAAAA!!! how is this so easy??? Ask yourself

  107. tval Says:

    I expect that from someone named DOOOSH…haha. Your team has been total garbage with rookie interior, swinging gate rt, poor center play, and mediocre left tackle…zero dbs or rbs…you must live in la la land. You have 3-5 players any top 15 team want. Lol!! Jameis leads

  108. Proudbucsfan Says:

    The hypocrisy in our society is nauseating. Everyone focusing on “Me too” but there are thousands and thousands of women posting ads on Craigslist and Backpage for personal services. There were so many women doing it that the government had to step in and shut the sites down. No one is talking about that problem. So many people want to burn Jameis for something no one even knows if he did it for fact. Why don’t someone look at this girl Katie? maybe she isn’t so innocent her self.

  109. jmarkbuc Says:

    Proud

    Maybe if Jameis had just set up an escort he wouldn’t have to make his weak moves on an uber driver…But oh wait his fiancee was back in their hotel room. Classy guy.

  110. Bolt Isle Says:

    Some “fans” have never wanted him from the beginning. If they want to purge themselves from the team as a fan, go for it. The Ben R comparisons are very real. And there was clear evidence on Ben.
    Beginning to wonder if Jameis may have a drinking problem.
    As Joe points out, his stats are beyond almost everyone before him at this age. Brett Favre wasn’t exactly conservative with the ball. Sometimes the confidence burns, but if its close for the last 15, I like our chances. Imagining what he can do with a running game and average D is extremely positive. Sometimes it seems he’s trying to do to much because he feels he has to.

  111. Proudbucsfan Says:

    Jmarkbuc, I agree that would be a crappy thing to do. But your passing judgment on him solely on media reports and not on facts. The NFL has not come forward yet with any evidence.

  112. Im tired and 87 is right Says:

    Great points Joe! Jameis isn’t going anywhere. I emailed my ticket agent how I feel about the situation. I protect the Buccaneer family as should all of you until proven guilty in the court of law. Go Bucs!

  113. Im tired and 87 is right Says:

    It’s funny because I’m having an argument with my brother n law who is a Steelers fan and his point is Ben Roethlesberger hasn’t done anything wrong since and his point is Jameis had the issue with the kids telling girls to sit, and I laughed. It’s like people are looking for anything just to prove a point. Times have changed big time in today’s world where people believe everything they hear. Reason I can’t stand social media and a big reason I believe has led to mass shootings. Go Bucs and I have your back Jameis!

  114. Iamabuc Says:

    There is little to no proof Jameis did anything. If there was real proof he’d be facing a minimum 6 game suspension but he is not and this is because there is no real proof and the NFL is suspending him based off of public opinion and the NFL’s need to save face and prove they have a zero tolerance policy but in the end this will back fire on the NFL. People have already started to no watch the NFL as much as they used to in the past and this guilty with no evidence bs is only going to push more fans away. I mean the woman that is accusing Jameis didn’t even file a police report. If something did happen so you not think that should have been the first thing she did? This is some he said she said bs with little to no evidence but because the NFL is sooooooooooo worried about their image they feel they have to do something even tho they know this case would hold up in a court of law as there is no case, there is no police report, there is nothing to convict anyone on as there is no proof.

  115. jmarkbuc Says:

    Proud

    Right back at ya’ 😉

    I’m not sure if you were saying the uber driver was offering personal services or not, but for now, I’m gonna take the over on being right and JW being wrong

  116. Mike10 Says:

    You say that we have leverage, but let’s be honest, when have we ever seen Licht take advantage of leverage (i.e. Doug Martin)

  117. Oneilbucs Says:

    Regardless of what they come with it’s still a chance that the NFL could lie and say he did do it when he didn’t do nothing. How would we know who is telling the truth? We really don’t know. I’m going to stand by him . Nick foles won’t win here eather he played on a good team he is not great. Alter byeago. You don’t won’t to discuss that about America n lies do you?

  118. Anonymous Says:

    It’s hilarious but sad how fans will crucify Jameis for his actions but turn a blind eye when it comes to the president of the United States. I guess for some Bucs fans, sports rule over the decency of the Oval Office…such Hypocrisy! Keep the kid, GO Bucs!!

  119. ATrain Says:

    One problem with America the “Look what he did”

    No responsiblity is Winston for his involvement and Out Right Lie to cover up

    Don’t care what Ben did or any other NFL player

    This is about Winston and his lack of respect for woman and the Lying to cover up.

    Also is Winston not smart enough to stay away from idiots like Darby with his mess in college

  120. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Anonymous

    Wrong….I remember folks up in arms about Bill Clinton’s behavior…..

  121. jmarkbuc Says:

    Anonymous

    The people did try and impeach Clinton, they just failed.

  122. passthebuc Says:

    Let’s do a real conspiracy theory,
    A conversation between NFL/aka RG. and Buc’s front office.
    RG: We are going to drop this JW thing, we don’t see anything there.
    Team Glazer: No you cannot drop it, Just string it out and then give him 6 games; We do not want to pay him millions long term, we do not trust him
    RG: Let’s see if I have this correct, Do not drop the issue, give America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, a 6 game suspension. Goodall continues, Best I can do is 3, but consider it done.

  123. passthebuc Says:

    @jmarkbuc.
    First, People do not impeach.
    Second, Impeachment Is a process whereby the house institutes an impeachment procedure whereby a simple majority can send the charges to the Senate, AKA impeachment. A trial ensues where the president has defense counsel. The Senate is the jury and can only remove the president by a vote of 75 percent.

  124. Sydney Says:

    Hey jmarkbuc:

    Bill Clinton WAS Impeached under Article I of the US Constitution by the US House of Representatives on the charges of perjury to a Grand Jury and obstruction of justice in December 1998!

    The level of ignorance in this country of own its history is staggering!

  125. Oneilbucs Says:

    Why are y’all saying he’s guilty how do you know he did anything wrong????

  126. Bucsace Says:

    What Ben Rothlisberger did was Waaaay worse……..But Ben Rothlisberger was a Waaaay better QB…….that’s just a hard fact in this matter

  127. jmarkbuc Says:

    Pass and Sydney

    Well he wasn’t removed from office. Forgive my ignorance.

  128. Buccfan37 Says:

    Calling the Bucs and this area a small market team is news to me. There are more people around here than there are around Pittsburgh. So I guess that’s a small market team also. At one time Pittsburgh was more populated, since the steel industry shut down back decades ago the people have moved away in large numbers. Even the Pirates are drawing less fans than the Rays. I’m sure the TV market is larger here also.

  129. JimmyJack Says:

    In a Buccaneers uniform Winston has had this lone incident. It was a nasty thing Winston did but I see too many fans acting as of its unforgivable. It’s being blown out of proportion here in Tampa, nationally nobody’s treating Winston as hard as some of our fan base is.

    Many fans followed his college career and maybe emotionally involved with his prior incidents.

  130. Gene Deckehoff is my hero Says:

    I cannot believe all of the outrage against Jameis. While he may innocent in reality he is guilty in the court of public opinion.

  131. Bucballbaby84 Says:

    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!

  132. Owlykat Says:

    How many players did we cut or gave away for bad character who then earned Super Bowl Rings and fame and were managed by other NFL Teams that stopped their bad behavior: hint a DB with the, Broncos and a RB for the Patriots, etc. Even a key player in our winning the Super Bowl was no Angel—Sapp, who had problems in College with narcotics and has been in trouble since retiring, but Dungy didn’t try to dump him, he managed him, and so did Chucky. In fact Chucky has grabbed up our bad boy RB this year and will manage him. Remember Koetter could not manage a bad boy TE of ours, cut him, and another team who could has gotten good play out of him. A lot of you believe if we cut Jameis no one will take him. History says that is baloney. A tough coach who can manage him, like say the Saints Coach, will snap him up and win Super Bowls with him and keep us in the cellar. If the Glazer’s are shrewd, they will keep Jameis and if Koetter can’t keep him managed, the Glazers can find a Head Coach who can and develop him into a Star. They should avoid throwing out Licht after he has just learned how to draft to win.

  133. Roy T. Buford Says:

    @Buccfan37, small market refers to money moved, following. Yes, Steerlers town has undergone changes but the franchise has a huge following all over.

  134. Walter Seidel Says:

    The argument is stupid. “Roethleisberger is scum, and they kept him….so if Winston is scum, it’s ok for us to keep him too”….sickening.

  135. Brandon Says:

    Sure, keep him. But talk to the jets about teddy Bridgwater