Major Controversies Surrounding Jameis Winston: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Jameis Winston—discover key moments of controversy.

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

Sections (5)

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

December 7, 2012: Sexual assault allegation

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 complaint about the sexual assault allegation was originally investigated by the police and classified as open/inactive with no charges being filed.

July 2013: Soda stealing complaint

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

November 14, 2013: Investigation Opens 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 from Winston

In November 2013, a DNA sample was taken from Jameis Winston by the prosecutor, months after the initial investigation; it 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 into the sexual assault allegation and stated that no charges would be filed against anyone in the case, citing "major issues" with the woman's testimony.

April 2014: Accuser files civil suit

In April 2014, the accuser filed a civil suit against Jameis Winston.

April 16, 2014: New York Times reports irregularities in rape investigation

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

April 29, 2014: Shoplifting crab legs

On April 29, 2014, Jameis Winston was issued an adult civil citation for shoplifting crab legs from a Tallahassee Publix store. Winston 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

In May 2014, Jameis Winston countersued the accuser for defamation and tortious interference.

September 17, 2014: Suspension for inappropriate comment

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

December 21, 2014: FSU hearing clears Winston

On December 21, 2014, the official FSU hearing, presided over by retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Major B. Harding, cleared Winston of violating the student conduct code in the sexual assault allegation.

September 2015: Tortious interference claim dismissed

In a September 2015 ruling, federal judge Anne C. Conway dismissed Winston's tortious interference claim, 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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December 2016: Civil claims settled out of court

In December 2016, the civil claims were settled out of court, four months before the case was scheduled to go to trial.

2016: Alleged Uber groping incident

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

2016: University settles lawsuit

In 2016, the 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 but did not admit liability.

November 17, 2017: NFL investigates Uber incident

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

2018: Suspension for Uber incident

In 2018, Jameis Winston was suspended for the first three games of the season due to violating the Personal Conduct Policy by touching an Uber driver in an inappropriate and sexual manner without her consent.