Challenges in the Life of Jameis Winston in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Jameis Winston. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Jameis Winston is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the New York Giants. He achieved early success at Florida State University, winning the Heisman Trophy as the youngest player ever and leading the Seminoles to the 2014 BCS National Championship. Winston was then drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015, marking the beginning of his NFL career.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

December 7, 2012: Sexual Assault Allegation Filed

On December 7, 2012, a sexual assault allegation involving Jameis Winston was originally filed with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD).

February 2013: Complaint Classified as Inactive

In February 2013, the sexual assault complaint against Jameis Winston was investigated by the police and classified as open/inactive with no charges being filed, because the victim broke off contact with TPD.

July 2013: Soda Theft Allegation at Burger King

In July 2013, a Burger King employee called police to complain that Jameis Winston was stealing soda. According to the police report, Winston repeatedly filled a water cup with soda without paying.

November 14, 2013: Investigation Opened into Sexual Assault Allegation

On November 14, 2013, the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit announced they were opening an investigation into a sexual assault allegation involving Jameis Winston that was originally filed with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) on December 7, 2012.

November 2013: DNA Sample Taken

In November 2013, a DNA sample was taken from Jameis Winston after the prosecutor took over the sexual assault case and was found to match DNA found in the complainant's underwear.

December 5, 2013: No Charges Filed in Sexual Assault Case

On December 5, 2013, State Attorney Willie Meggs announced the completion of the investigation and that no charges would be filed against anyone in the sexual assault case involving Jameis Winston, citing "major issues" with the woman's testimony.

April 2014: Civil Suit Filed Against Winston

In April 2014, the accuser filed a civil suit against Jameis Winston regarding the sexual assault allegation.

April 16, 2014: Report on Irregularities in Rape Investigation

On April 16, 2014, The New York Times reported irregularities in the rape investigation involving Jameis Winston.

April 29, 2014: Civil Citation for Shoplifting Crab Legs

On April 29, 2014, Jameis Winston was issued an adult civil citation for shoplifting crab legs from a Tallahassee Publix store. He was ordered to undergo 20 hours of community service and was suspended from any college baseball activity until he completed his community service.

May 2014: Winston Countersues for Defamation

In May 2014, Jameis Winston countersued his accuser for defamation and tortious interference in the sexual assault case.

September 17, 2014: Suspension for Inappropriate Language

On September 17, 2014, Jameis Winston was suspended for the first half of Florida State's upcoming game against Clemson after it was reported that he shouted an inappropriate phrase while standing atop a table in Florida State University's Student Union.

September 2015: Tortious Interference Claim Dismissed

In September 2015, federal judge Anne C. Conway dismissed Jameis Winston's tortious interference claim in his countersuit, but declined a motion to dismiss his claim for defamation.

November 2015: Threat to Sue CNN

In November 2015, Jameis Winston told CNN that he was prepared to file suit if the network aired "The Hunting Ground", a documentary about college campus rape which includes disputed allegations about Winston.

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2015: Rose Bowl and College Career End

In 2015, the Seminoles played in the Rose Bowl against Oregon, losing 59-20, which was Winston's only loss as a starter during his college career.

2016: University Settlement in Title IX Lawsuit

In 2016, Florida State University paid $950,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by the same woman alleging a violation of Title IX by FSU in handling her complaint. The university also agreed to conduct five years of sexual awareness programs and did not admit liability.

2016: Uber Incident

In 2016, Jameis Winston allegedly groped a female Uber driver, leading to an NFL investigation.

November 17, 2017: NFL Investigation into Groping Allegation

On November 17, 2017, it was reported that the NFL conducted an investigation into an allegation that Jameis Winston groped a female Uber driver in 2016.

2017: Shoulder Injury and Altercation

In 2017, Jameis Winston suffered a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, missed three games, and was fined $12,154 for an altercation with Saints rookie Marshon Lattimore. He also became the second-youngest player to reach 10,000 career passing yards.

2018: Returns after Suspension

After missing the first three games, in 2018, Jameis Winston returned in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears. Overall, he finished the 2018 season with 2,992 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.

2018: Suspension for Uber Incident

In 2018, Jameis Winston was suspended for the first three games of the season due to his involvement in the Uber incident.

2019: Led League in Passing Yards and Interceptions

During the 2019 season, Jameis Winston led the league in passing yards. However, in 2019, he also led the league in interceptions and set the NFL season record for interceptions returned for touchdowns.