Jameis Winston, the backup quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, is

Speaking out, backup quarterback Jameis Winston of the New Orleans Saints is responding to the harsh criticism he received for his choice to throw the ball away late for a score in the regular season finale against the Atlanta Falcons.

In an interview with “Pardon My Take,” Winston detailed the steps he took to try to mend his differences with club management.

“I went in and approached some of the higher-ups in the organization just to get their perspective and talk to them about it,” Winston explained. “Talking with them, they really handled it pretty well. For once, they are aware of my intentions.

“On off days, they watch me working with practice squad receivers to make sure they’ll be ready if their number is called. They watch me working with the young defensive backs, making sure they understand how the offensive coordinator or opposing team’s quarterbacks try to attack them in particular scenarios. I believe they are aware of my true feelings.”

In order to give running back Jamaal Williams his first score of the year, Winston and the offensive line decided to defy Saints coach Dennis Allen’s request to take a knee and let the clock run out. After the Saints won 48–17, Falcons coach Arthur Smith became enraged by the result and yelled at Allen at middle.

Subsequently, Allen expressed regret to the Falcons and clarified that the strategy was to exhaust the clock.