Getty Image / Perry Knotts
New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Jameis Winston is at the center of controversy after he was part of a fake kneel down to score a touchdown at the end of his team’s 48-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Take a look at the play.
Take it away Jamaal 😏#Saints | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/L8vZjocAzQ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 7, 2024
Yeah, that’s not considered very sportsmanlike with a lead like that. And, it had now-fired Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith fired up.
https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1744103230500422103?s=20
The play got widespread condemnation around the NFL ecosphere, and Jameis Winston was panned for being the quarterback in the huddle when it happened. This conversation happened between Winston and a reporter postgame.
Winston: Why don’t you feel good about it?
Reporter: “..your head coach tells you kneel it out, I think you guys should have kneeled it out. I’m telling you as respectfully as I can… that I respectfully disagree.”
Winston: “You disagree with me or the entire team?”
Reporter: “Whoever made that decision.”
Winston: “So you disagree with the entire team, thank you”
On Monday, Saints legend Jimmy Graham stood up for Jameis Winston, and threw shade at the rival Falcons, as well.
“Get off @Jaboowins (Jameis Winston’s Twitter Handle) back. This man is the best teammate I’ve ever had. Loves this city, this game and embodies everything you can ask for in a leader. Was a rare situation and we all take responsibility. Nobody thought it would get blown out of proportion. Also f— the falcons,” Jimmy Graham said.
It will be interesting to see what the fallout from this is. Winston is under contract with the team for next season, but I think he should get a chance to start somewhere. And, I’m not sure New Orleans will be particularly interested in bringing him back next year after this insubordination.