The cause and effect of the Winston decision
Has Winston proved himself so far this season to warrant a long-term, big money deal? That’s for each of us to decide. The interception totals say that not only has he not proven he’s better. He has proven he can’t be trusted. What running back, or wide receiver has 18 to 22 fumbles in a season and gets the reward of a huge, multi-year contract the next season?
It’s a fact that maybe no other player in recent times has divided a fanbase the way that Jameis Winston has. Both sides of the discussion have very passionate views. Just go on any Buccaneers Social Media site, it cannot be avoided, and it’s hard to overlook. It will pull you into the drama before you even realize it’s happening. Foul language, disrespect, and even threats are bantied about, usually without provocation.
Just for the mere fact you have a different view than the next fan, it gets out of hand like a spark in an oil refinery; I cannot tell you how many times I have seen on Bucs Social Media. If Jameis Winston is signed to a long-term deal, that a fan will just walk away from supporting the Bucs until he is gone.
I can’t say that I’ve ever heard that before from a fan over one player before this Winston uproar. Just today someone replied to me, and said if it happens, he’s out as a Bucs fan and not renewing his season tickets, wow.
So make no mistake about it, if the rumor is true, and he is signed to a long-term deal. Make no mistake about it, there will be fallout. Some of it hitting square in the owners wallet; I don’t believe that ownership realizes how many fans have absolutely had it with Winston, and those that keep him around.