Sources said that Winston's Nike contract expired before the NFL announced his three game suspension getty images
Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston's deal with Nike has "expired and the company elected not to renew the former No. 1 overall draft pick," according to sources cited by Rovell & Wickersham of ESPN.com. Sources added that Winston's contract "expired before the NFL announced he would be suspended for the first three games of the regular season for violating the league's personal conduct policy" (ESPN.com, 8/3). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Michael David Smith wrote some will "wonder why Nike ever wanted to be in business with Winston, given the rape accusation he faced in college at Florida State." But despite that accusation, Nike and other businesses, "not to mention the Buccaneers and the NFL, were perfectly happy to be in business with Winston" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 8/4).
RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP: USA TODAY's Mike Jones writes despite Winston's suspension, team officials and teammates have "supported Winston, still heralding him as the face of the franchise." Last Thursday’s open practice for fans "showed Winston remains as popular as ever." Yet, the team and his handlers also "want the quarterback to maintain a low profile, restricting his media access." Aside from a training camp-opening press conference, Winston has "not spoken to reporters." The team has "denied requests to speak to the quarterback" (USA TODAY, 8/6).
