NFL explains why suspended Jameis Winston was permitted to text teammates

Even though Jameis Winston is suspended, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback is keeping up some informal contact with his teammates.

According to Peter King’s Football Morning in America, Winston shared a message with his receiver group, telling them “Awesome game!” after their 27-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

This raised some eyebrows, as Winston’s suspension is supposed to limit his contact with teammates. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, however, shared that such personal messages are acceptable in the NFL’s eyes as long as they don’t delve into game strategy.

On #Bucs QB Jameis Winston sending texts to his WRs teammates while on suspension: "There’s to be no discussion of football strategy with club personnel or players but a personal message is permissible,” per @NFLprguy.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2018

Winston was just checking in. If he’s upset or worried about potentially losing his starting job to Ryan Fitzpatrick even after his suspension concludes, he’s apparently not showing it.