Fansided

25 athletes everyone hates (unless they’re on your team)

By Jeremy Lambert

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 3: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stays loose on the sideline during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 3, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 3: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stays loose on the sideline during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 3, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Buccaneers, Jameis Winston
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Jameis Winston

The good news for Cam Newton is that Jameis Winston is now in the league. And soon enough, he’ll take Newton’s mantle as the guy everyone hates.

There’s more evidence against Winston. Like Newton, he has a checkered past. But he did more than steal computers. Google “Jameis Winston FSU incidents” and you’ll read a rap sheet longer than his career accomplishments in the NFL.

His behavior hasn’t improved in the NFL. I’m all for eating Ws. In fact, I found it pretty funny. But it made him the target of plenty of jokes when he keeps taking Ls. This video from Week 17 showed he’s as immature as Newton once was.

As a fan of Newton, I would find it hypocritical to dislike Winston. Much like Newton, I think Winston is unfairly targeted for criticism. For the purposes of this list, ignore in the FSU rape allegations, which I realize is a little tough, and just look at his attitude in the NFL. He reminds me of Newton. He’s not your prototypical quarterback, he’s immature, and he’s not a cookie cutter leader.

Newton has made strides over the years, but one slip up and everyone is on his back again. Winston will go through the same cycle. It’s unfortunate.

Bucs and Panthers fans should unite. Given that we are NFC South rivals, that’s probably not happening. But we have more in common than you may think. And the enemy of my enemy can be my friend. Matt Ryan and Drew Brees are the real enemies here.

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