Mariota or Winston?

I wonder if his meeting with Goodell had any impact on his decision not to go.

 

If by that you mean Winston thought "if I never see that stiff again it'll be too soon," then I hope so.

 

He told Goodell about his decision not to attend the draft during the meeting, so I'd say no.

 

Ultimately, not attending will lead to more scrutiny and additional questions, so from a PR standpoint, this is not a smart move. Fair or not, it'll just end up being another check mark against him.

 

Question: Why didn't you attend the draft?
Answer: I wanted to spend the best day of my life with my family and friends.

Really, that should be the end of it. Not surprisingly, it won't be.

 

I hate to play the race card, but it's a factor here.

I remember how the media practically fellated Joe Thomas for going fishing during the draft.

 

Yeah, well, people are generally stupid. So yeah, race might become a thing. It usually does.

 

Jameis Winston referred to being drafted as the "best day" of his life, making many NFL executives openly wonder if he is content just to be an NFL player and not the face of a franchise with a burning desire to win at all costs.

"This kid doesn't get it," said one personnel director. "He should be focused on getting to work and learning the game at the highest level, not celebrating like he's already accomplished something."

 

Yup. As I said, people are generally stupid.

 

Did they plan on going over film at the draft? Does this personal director think the players attending the draft won't be celebrating being drafted?

What should be a non-issue will now blow up.

 

I'd bet the personnel director's team went 6-10 max last year.

 

Nothing is a non-issue in the NFL, and especially in regard to a polarizing talent like Winston. There's nothing wrong with him not attending, but if you fail to understand how this could backfire, you're one of those generally stupid people.