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Lovie Smith defends Winston against Bowden criticism

TAMPA — Bucs coach Lovie Smith, known for stopping high-powered attacks, went on the defensive Wednesday for rookie QB Jameis Winston.

Saying he was "disappointed" in legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden for calling Winston "an embarrassment" to Florida State fans and boosters, Smith said the Bucs' research heading into the NFL draft revealed the opposite was true.

Tuesday, Bowden said it was "a consensus among Florida State fans and boosters that he was an embarrassment, in a lot of ways, to the university."

After a news conference to announce QB Doug Williams and FB Mike Alstott's entrance into the team's Ring of Honor, Smith took exception to that description of Winston.