The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew what they were expecting from first overall pick Jameis Winston on and off the field, when they picked him in this year's NFL draft. Winston has the skill set as a quarterback to bring the struggling franchise back into contention in the NFC South and has been impressing Bucs staff during workouts. Away from the field, Winston has had to continue to deal with his legal issues stemming from his time at Florida State University.
The Buccaneers new quarterback has taken over the reins of the first team offense and has shown to both teammates and coaches alike that he was the correct choice to revamp this organization. Winston played in a pro-style offense while at FSU, and because of that, has transitioned to the pro game with ease so far. Alabama has Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith's reaction to the progress with the team Winston has already achieved:
"He didn't have his training wheels on or anything like that. We're kind of throwing him out there and he's handling just about everything we've asked him to."
Winston's focus has not only been about making his mark on the team, but also about his continuing legal issues. While attending FSU, Winston was accused of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress arising out of forcible rape from a classmate. The accuser, Erika Kinsman, has since filed a lawsuit against Winston claiming those actions against her. Winston denies those claims, and SB Nation's Tomahawk Nation explains the next legal step the quarterback has taken:
"A week after news of the suit against Winston broke, on May 8, 2015, Winston answered Kinsman's claims and filed a countersuit of his own alleging defamation, defamation per se and tortious interference with prospective business advantage."
Can Winston bring the Bucs back into contention this year? Will Winston's legal issues become a distraction for himself and the Buccaneers if this lawsuit continues into the regular season? We want to hear from you. Tell us your thoughts below.
