If you’re Tampa Bay Bucs management, these are unsettling times. Trying to right the franchise ship, save jobs and put last year’s lost season behind them isn’t made easier by the season-opening, three-game suspension of starting quarterback Jameis Winston.
Winston came to the Bucs with all that sexual-assault notoriety–plus other conduct baggage– while at FSU. He was damaged–but talented, Heisman-winning–goods. But he’s been incident free in the Tampa Bay community. The Bucs are pleased at how he officially represents them. But now we have the groping case involving a female Uber driver in Las Vegas. Hence, the suspension after an 8-month NFL investigation.
There’s also this. Three years in, Winston still doesn’t look as good as expected–or as needed. More Josh Freeman than Tom Brady. Much more.
Hence, the Bucs dilemma. Can they really win with this guy? And if so, would they be winning with Dr. Jameis or Mr. Hyde?