When Peter King of TheMMQB.com first reported that quarterback and presumptive first overall pick Jameis Winston will skip the draft, many assumed that Winston wanted to avoid a potential Chicago boo-fest, given his history of off-field entanglements.
But another theory has emerged. As explained by Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News, some believe that it was Commissioner Roger Goodell and not Winston who wanted the player to stay away.
The thinking is that it won’t be ideal for Goodell’s still-fragile image to be seen hugging and then presenting a jersey to the controversial Winston, who has been accused of rape, has admitted to stealing crab legs, and has yelled an obscene phrase on a table in the Florida State student union.
If that’s the truth, it’s unlikely anyone will admit it. But it makes for intriguing speculation as to why Winston won’t be walking onto the stage and being booed with Goodell not long after Goodell walks onto the stage alone, declares the draft to be open, and gets booed by the same fans who’ll eventually be clamoring to shake his hand if/when he mingles with the crowd.