Jameis Winston Playing Status Up in the Air With Disciplinary Decision on No Set Timetable
ByThough Jameis Winston's disciplinary hearing at Florida State University (FSU) is over, it is not exactly clear when his status at the school will be finalized.
According to the Associated Press, Winston's hearing was unique because he was not charged with anything and because it took place about two years after the alleged incident. Led by former State Supreme Court Justice Major Harding, the disciplinary board must determine which, if any, of four conduct code violations Winston is responsible for.
In relation to a female former FSU student's complaint that Winston sexually assaulted her in Dec. 2012, two charges are for sexual assault and two are for endangerment. The possible punishments range from what effectively amounts to a scolding to expulsion.
John Clune, an attorney representing the complainant, told the AP he expects Harding's decision to be announced by the end of the year. FSU policy states that a decision must be returned within 10 class days after the hearing concludes, but either party may appeal the decision.
While David Cornwell, Winston's attorney, called the hearing "a shakedown," Clune maintained that it went as they wanted it to and that he expects the Seminoles quarterback to be expelled. Winston did not answer questions from Harding or during cross examination, but he did give his account of the night in question for the first time, a copy of which was obtained by USA Today and several other media outlets.
Winston's impending status at FSU potentially intersects with the Seminoles' football schedule. He will all but certainly be able to play Saturday in the ACC title game against Georgia Tech, but afterward is less certain.
If Florida State makes the College Football Playoff semifinal, they will play on Jan. 1 in either the Rose or Sugar Bowl. If they win the semifinal, they will play for the National Title a second year in a row on Jan. 12.