Heisman Frontrunner Jameis Winston Being Investigated For Sexual Assault

Just when it seemed like nothing could derail the year of Famous Jameis.

This afternoon TMZ reported that Florida State’s superstar freshman quarterback Jameis Winston is currently being investigated for sexual assault. It’s a very different kind of headline for the Heisman frontrunner, who has been one of the biggest stories in college football this year.

The allegations against Winston stem from an incident in Tallahassee back in December 2012. Sources—one of which is said to be in law enforcement—told TMZ that a woman filed a complaint alleging she was sexually assaulted “with the use of physical force.”

Both Winston and the woman who brought the charges against him were reportedly drinking prior to the incident. Apparently the motive was “sexual gratification,” which is kind of an odd detail.

According to the report, the police were contacted by someone—it’s unclear whether it was the alleged victim or someone else—at 4:01 A.M. the morning of the incident. Authorities arrived on the scene a short time later to collect physical evidence and photograph the woman’s injuries.

TMZ noted that Winston was described by police as “muscular” and “polite.” They also noted that the suspect’s height was listed at “5’11 max” with straight hair. Winston is 6’4 and his hair isn’t straight. Those facts aside, law enforcement confirmed that he is, in fact, the suspect.

The investigation is said to be “ongoing” with the police and the Florida State Attorney. (As in the state of Florida, not Florida State University…presumably) Why it’s taken 11 months to investigate the claims is unknown.

Not to be cynical, but the timing of the leak is very interesting. FSU looks like they’re going to be playing for a national championship and Winston is the definitive frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, which will be awarded one month from now. 

This doesn’t seem like the kind of case it would take the police a year to investigate and decide whether or not to bring charges. Which makes you wonder about the underlying motivation of these bravely anonymous sources.