Florida State's Winston opts for NFL
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston announced he’ll enter the NFL draft on Wednesday, the same day the woman who accused him of sexual assault filed a lawsuit against the school’s board of trustees.
The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner announced his decision to forgo his final two years of eligibility in a statement released to ESPN by The Legacy Agency.
Winston was the most successful quarterback in college football during the last two seasons, but also faced lengthy sexual assault investigations. He was not charged by police and was cleared by the university.
In a lawsuit filed against the school’s board of trustees, the woman who accused him of sexual assault claimed the board had an unreasonable response to her accusations and created a hostile educational environment for her. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, including reimbursement for tuition, damages for emotional pain and suffering and loss of past and present earning and earning capacity.
In his two seasons, the Seminoles went 26-1 with Winston starting and won the 2014 national championship.
“I reached this difficult decision after careful consideration and thought, realizing how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my family at Florida State,” Winston said.
Winston set the national freshman record with 40 touchdown passes while throwing for 4,057 yards and 10 interceptions en route to winning the title. His numbers dropped in 2013 after losing his top two running backs, two starting receivers and his starting center. Winston threw for 3,907 yards with 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 2014.
Winston is expected to be one of the first QBs selected.
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