He was facing a driving charge, and said he was soon to be on his way, set to leave Tyneside.
Simpson be January came and went and, despite a failure to conclude contract negotiations that have dragged on since the beginning of the season, he is still a Newcastle player.
The full-back, who has less than 18 months of his current deal to run, is understood to have been offered a new five-year deal worth around £25,000-a-week.
Does he think he is better than he actually is? Because, let's be honest, he blows hot and cold and is hardly the most consistent full-back in the Premiership.
Similarly, skipper Fabricio Coloccini is still to agree a new contract despite the offer of a lucrative four-year deal, with the option of an additional fifth year.
Coloccini is currently United's skipper and the highest-paid player on Newcastle's books.
Alan Pardew: "We've had conversations (with both players).
"I can see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel now. I can understand why fans are concerned, but we're making progress.
"It's not easy, contracts, and we're trying to do what's best for the football club and what's best for the player. Sometimes, they are worlds apart.
"There's been a bit of antagonism with contracts in the past. There's a lot more communication here and I think we're trying to work through the process in a sensible manner."