The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ...The NFL suspended Winston for the first three games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Diehards Line: The looming suspension, firt reported last week, is now official. The Bucs open the season at New Orleans and then home for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. He would conceivably make his debut on Sept. 30 at Chicago. Winston offered a statement in response that reads in part, "The NFL informed me today that I will be suspended for the first three games of the season. First and foremost, I would like to say I'm sorry to the Uber driver for the position I put you in. It is uncharacteristic of me and I genuinely apologize. In the past 2 1/2 years my life has been filled with experiences, opportunities and events that have helped me grow, mature and learn, including the fact that I have eliminated alcohol from my life. ... I apologize to my teammates, the Buccaneers organization and fans for letting them down and for not being able to be out there for the first three games of the season. ... I now look forward to putting this behind me and I will continue to work hard every day to be a positive influence in my community and be the best person, teammate and leader I can be." Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to fill in during Winston's absence.