TAMPA, Fla. -- Jameis Winston, the embattled Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback who will spend the first three weeks of the 2018 season suspended, says he has apologized to his teammates for his actions.

  • QB Jameis Winston apologizes to team for his actions
  • Suspended three games for allegedly groping Uber driver
  • Says he will continue to grow & learn from this situation

The NFL recently concluded Winston violated the league's personal conduct policy by touching an Uber driver "in an inappropriate and sexual manner without her consent."

"Initially, I talked to my teammates first. I acknowledged them yesterday. And I apologized to them, because I don't want to be a distraction," said Winston. "I just want to focus on the season moving forward."

The quarterback apologized for the incident in a statement released last month, but had not spoken publicly until Thursday during the Bucs' training camp.

"I tell the fans, continue to support this team. Continue to support me. You know, since I've been here, my main goal was to grow as a leader. Be a huge advocate in the community. and I've done that, and I'm going to continue to do that," said Winston.

He also talked about his work and love for the community. Winston added that he knows the importance of being a positive influence. 

"I've grown and learned from this situation. It's a learning experience. I've worked hard in this community since I've gotten here. And I'm going to continue to work hard on and off the field," he explained.

"I've just got to continue to grow as a man, as a person, as a leader, as a father," said Winston. "And I know I can't put myself in situations like that."