Winston apologizes for instigating fight that led to Evans' suspension

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston expressed contrition for poking New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the back of the head during Sunday's loss - a move that instigated a fight that led to Bucs receiver Mike Evans' one-game suspension.

Winston was on the sidelines and tapped Lattimore on the helmet during the game. The pair then exchanged words, which led Evans to come flying in and level the Saints' standout rookie with a shove to the ground.

"I just want to apologize on behalf of my teammates and Mike Evans for the incident that happened in the Saints game. That's something I can't do in the heat of the moment," Winston said, via ESPN's Jenna Laine. "My competitive nature (took over). Obviously I can't come off the field and make any gesture toward an opponent, let alone touch them. I can't do that, so I apologize for that."

Winston also met with renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews to discuss his shoulder injury. The quarterback was pulled from Sunday's game after being awkwardly driven into the ground.

"(The visit) was standard protocol," Winston said. "All the doctors are working together to come up with what they think (is best). All I know is that for the next two weeks, I'm going to be rehabbing and getting my shoulder to 100 percent."

Copyright (C) 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.