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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston sued by Uber driver in alleged groping incident

Posted at 7:14 PM, Sep 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-19 17:13:17-04

TAMPA — Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jameis Winston has been sued by the Arizona Uber driver who accused the quarterback of groping her in 2016.

The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday by the alleged victim — who is only identified as Kate P. in the federal court papers. She is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 because of the "damages in the nature of emotional distress and future therapy expenses," the lawsuit states.

"This lawsuit arises from the entitled actions of a professional football player who felt permitted to sexually assault his Uber driver following a night of unruly behavior," the complaint reads.

Related: 

Tampa Bay Bucs QB Jameis Winston reportedly groped an Uber driver in 2016

Jameis Winston denies allegations of groping incident, says Uber driver was confused

NFL plans to suspend Bucs QB Jameis Winston 3 games for alleged Uber driver groping incident

The alleged incident took place on March 13, 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The female Uber driver claims that after she picked up Winston, he sat in the front passenger seat of her vehicle and grabbed her crotch while the drive-thru line at a Mexican restaurant.

The lawsuit comes near the end of Winston's three-game suspension from the NFL, for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The lawsuit claims cite the suspension, stating, "Winston was investigated and found responsible for his behavior by his employer, the National Football League, and suspended for his actions."

Winston denies the allegations, issuing a statement in November of last year following the initial allegations saying in part, "I believe the driver was confused as to the number of passengers in the car and who was sitting next to her. The accusation is false, and given the nature of the allegation and increased awareness and consideration of these types of matters, I am addressing this false report immediately."

ABC Action News reached out to the Bucs following the news of the lawsuit who declined to comment.