By: JJ Lanier

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

When you’re the number one draft pick, especially at quarterback, there is a lot riding on your shoulders. Obviously, you have the pressure of performing on the field, but you also have some off the field expectations you must live up to.

In the past those obligations would include you being a spokesperson and philanthropist within your community, as well as being a role model for the younger generation.

Not saying that always has happened, but those were general guidelines. Nowadays the organizations are asking for the minimum requirement of basically “don’t embarrass us“.

Jameis Winston has a decent, albeit inconsistent job, with his on the field performance. It’s his off the field actions that aren’t holding up their end of the bargain.

By now I’m sure you’re aware he is danger of being suspended for at least 3 games this season, which games and ultimately how many will depend on if he appeals or not, for allegedly groping an Uber driver back in 2016. (The charges are officially filed in November, 2017.)

Over the next few months, while this whole thing plays out, there will be people much more intelligent and articulate than I am, writing about its implications, both within the framework of the NFL as well as socially. So, for now, I’ll take the juvenile approach and focus on Winston’s story of what took place that night.

According to Jameis there were three men in the Uber. Winston, Ronald Darby, and an unnamed third man whom according to Winston and Darby is the actual person who groped the 26-year-old female driver.

Here is why I don’t buy that story. We’ve all seen enough movies, Netflix Documentaries, and episodes of “Entourage” to know there is a pecking order when it comes to friendships.

You have the main guy who is bringing in the money. No matter what he gets himself into, he can’t take the fall.

Then you have the second in the command, normally the brains of the operation, who is in charge of trying to keep the main guy out of trouble.

Lastly, you have the fall guy. He’s the guy that could literally be passed out in the backseat, but if the main guy gets pulled over for doing 120 in a 35 his butt’s getting yanked from the backseat up to the front before the cop can get to the window.

Yet in Jameis’ situation, that’s not really what’s taking place. I mean yeah, he’s blaming it on the fall guy, but if he’s not willing to name who that third guy actually is, then essentially Winston has become that guy.

And look, I know there’s a bro code and it’s not cool to be a narc; I get all that. But, if I am the number one draft pick; the franchise quarterback; I have been accused of sexual assault in the past; and I am truly innocent, you’re damn right I’m going to attach a name to that third person.

And if that makes me a bad friend, too bad; you should’ve kept your hands to yourself in the first place.

The only way I’m buying this story is if the unnamed person happens to be Dirk Koetter.

Truth is, this is a serious accusation. And if found to be true, should have significant repercussions. If Winston truly is innocent, as he claims, he needs to start acting like it. So far, he’s spending his time trying to be good friend, instead of a better person.