The explosion of the heralded redshirt freshman comes to no surprise by FSU fans – aptly nicknaming Winston "Famous Jameis" when the Hueytown, Alabama native signed on the dotted line to play for Head Coach Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles.
The storybook season was moving along smoothly with blowout victories over ACC Atlantic Division rival Clemson as well as in-state rival Miami. The 'Noles are currently the number two team in the nation with a tremendous chance at playing in Pasadena, California for the national championship.
A serious legal matter has since gravely overshadowed Winston and the Seminoles' dream season.
In December of 2012, Winston was identified and accused of sexually assaulting a woman.
Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times originally broke the story, while TMZ nearly got the credit, according to Dead Spin. Since then, allegations and rumors concerning both Winston and the accuser have dominated Internet message boards as well as Twitter.
State Attorney William Meggs has been investigating these allegations for weeks now with a decision reportedly not being reached for another two weeks, leaving the timetable roughly after the ACC Championship Game in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The holdup has FSU fans rightfully worried, but why the delay? It appears Meggs and company have the facts needed to either charge Winston or close this case.
This isn't the first time Meggs has attempted to put a Florida State player away nor will it be the last. Former FSU defensive tackle Travis Johnson was in a similar situation Winston is currently facing. According to USA Herald, Johnson was accused of rape, but was found innocent of any wrongdoing. Meggs had some interesting words after the Johnson verdict.
"Although the jury found that there was not enough evidence to convict him, [that] does not mean that Mr. Johnson did not commit the crime, and that is an important distinction."
The reader can come up with his or her own conclusion.
This isn't the first time Meggs has attempted to put a Florida State player away nor will it be the last. Former FSU defensive tackle Travis Johnson was in a similar situation Winston is currently facing. According to USA Herald, Johnson was accused of rape, but was found innocent of any wrongdoing. Meggs had some interesting words after the Johnson verdict.
"Although the jury found that there was not enough evidence to convict him, [that] does not mean that Mr. Johnson did not commit the crime, and that is an important distinction."
The reader can come up with his or her own conclusion.
Here's what we know: Winston allowed himself to be tested for a DNA analysis, which did match the DNA on the accuser's underwear. This is not an omission of guilt.
Tim Janson, Winston's attorney, says the sex between the two was consensual. Patricia Carroll, the accuser's attorney, says it was rape.
So now we're stuck with a battle of "he said, she said."
So now we're stuck with a battle of "he said, she said."
No matter what is printed, and the majority of it paints Winston as being guilty, the only thing truly factual in this case is some form of sex took place. Whether it was the heinous and disgusting act of rape, or the accused allegedly and potentially lying for personal gain, the whole story reads of sensationalism and sports "man-drama."
Allow the process to conclude then reach judgement.
Allow the process to conclude then reach judgement.
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