Lovie Smith: We're comfortable making Jameis Winston the face of the Bucs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith says his team is comfortable making Jameis Winston the face of the franchise despite Winston's checkered past, including allegations of rape.

"From what I know right now, we're OK with where (Winston) is,'' Smith told reporters at the NFL's scouting combine Wednesday.

"He's been accused of a crime. There's an allegation. He went through our court system. I have faith in our court system," Smith stated.

"He went through the school justice system. He was cleared. He went through our court system and he was cleared. Exonerated."

He added: "What else can you do?"

Smith pointed out that the history of the NFL is filled with players who were accused of crimes.

The Buccaneers own the first overall pick in the draft and are widely expected to select either Winston or Marcus Mariota.