The formula for HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series is as reliable as a bitter Eagles fan after a loss to the Cowboys.

The program is sold as an inside look at NFL training camps. Camera crews follow one team behind closed doors for an entire preseason.

This year, “Hard Knocks” is following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including Middletown native and rookie wide receiver Chris Godwin.

Now in its 12th season, the show’s tropes are laughably predictable, yet still somehow engaging.

Episode one introduces the cast of characters: The foul-mouthed and/or overly optimistic head coach whose office, for no obvious reason, is on par with CEOs of Fortune 50 companies. The general manager, who has no discernible skill other than being able to listen to the head coach’s gripes. The veteran player in the prime of his career. The veteran player in the twilight of his career. The free agent desperate for an NFL job to support his family. And the undrafted rookie who may or may not make the team.

EAGLES: Long supports Jenkins' anthem protest

RELATED:Daily fantasy sports returning to Delaware

The rest of the episodes include: Players unpacking their luggage. Players doing fun off-day activities. Players struggling to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. Players suffering season-ending injuries. Players fighting during practice. Coaches wringing their hands over which players to keep. Coaches telling players they’ve made the team. Coaches telling players they’ve been released.

Among the heavily featured Tampa Bay players this season is Jameis Winston, the team’s third-year franchise quarterback.

The first episode had camera crews following the 23-year-old Winston as he returned to his hometown of Bessemer, Alabama. Because I’d never before seen Winston outside of game action, I was surprised by his engaging personality and optimism. He is proud of his family. He is incredibly likable.

Which is why I feel conflicted.

In 2012, a woman told Tallahassee, Florida, police that Winston had sexually assaulted her. Winston was never charged with a crime. The woman sued Winston, alleging sexual battery. He countersued for defamation. This January, he and the woman reached a settlement and the lawsuits were dismissed.

The 46-word paragraph above is a tidy summary of what was a decidedly complex saga.

I keep asking myself whether the stigma I’ve attached to Winston is fair. Again, he was never charged with a crime in this case.

I’m equally conflicted about Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh quarterback who has twice faced sexual assault allegations, but also was never charged. Roethlisberger’s Steelers have yet to be featured on “Hard Knocks.”

I hear the name “Ben Roethlisberger” or “Jameis Winston” and my thoughts turn, for just an instant, to phrases like “sexual assault.”

Some have alleged that Winston and Roethlisberger avoided charges because they play perhaps the most high-profile position in American sports.

That is certainly a possibility, but was it a reality in these cases?

Through the first two episodes, there has not been any mention of the allegations Winston faced.

I’d be surprised if the case is mentioned in the remaining three episodes.

Perhaps Winston deserves that. I just don’t know.

Contact Jason Levine at (302) 324-2539 or jlevine@delawareonline.com.