Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston has been accused of groping a female Uber driver, and the National Football League is investigating.

  • In statement, Winston denies allegation
  • NFL investigating, Bucs release comment
  • 3-6 Tampa team takes on Miami on Sunday

The league's investigation was first reported Friday by BuzzFeed News.

The woman said the incident occurred in March 2016 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Both the Bucs and Winston have released statements about the alleged incident.

"We are in the process of obtaining further information regarding today's media report," the team said. "We take these matters seriously and are fully supportive of the investigation that is being conducted by the NFL."

A league spokeswoman told the NFL Network that the league is in the "gathering info stage."

Winston released a statement that said:

A news organization has published a story about me regarding an alleged incident involving a female Uber driver from approximately two years ago. The story falsely accuses me of making inappropriate contact with this driver. I believe the driver was confused as to the number of passengers in the car and who was sitting next to her. The accusation is false, and given the nature of the allegation and increased awareness and consideration of these types of matters, I am addressing this false report immediately. At the time of the alleged incident, I denied the allegations to Uber, yet they still decided to suspend my account.

I am supportive of the national movement to raise awareness and develop better responses to the concerns of parties who find themselves in these types of situations, but this accusation is false. While I am certain that I did not make any inappropriate contact, I don’t want to engage in a battle with the driver and I regret if my demeanor or presence made her uncomfortable in any way.

The 3-6 Bucs play at the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at 1 p.m. Winston isn't likely to play as he recovers from a shoulder injury.