Major Controversies Surrounding Jameis Winston: A Detailed Timeline

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

Jameis 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 player to do so and leading the Seminoles to a BCS National Championship in 2014. Winston was subsequently drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2015 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional 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 was originally investigated by the Tallahassee Police and classified as open/inactive with no charges being filed.

July 2013: Soda Stealing Complaint

In July 2013, a Burger King employee called the police to complain that Winston was stealing soda, repeatedly filling a water cup with soda after being asked to stop.

November 14, 2013: Investigation 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 Winston, which was originally filed with the Tallahassee Police Department on December 7, 2012.

November 2013: DNA Sample Taken

In November 2013, a DNA sample was taken from Winston, months after the initial investigation, and matched 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 this case due to "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.

April 16, 2014: Report of Irregularities in Rape Investigation

On April 16, 2014, The New York Times reported irregularities in the rape investigation involving Winston, noting the presence of bruises, semen on the complainant's underwear, and delays in obtaining a DNA sample from 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, ordered to undergo 20 hours of community service, and 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.

September 17, 2014: Suspension for Inappropriate Conduct

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 internet meme while standing on a table in the student union. The suspension was later extended to the whole game.

December 21, 2014: Cleared of Student Conduct Code Violation

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 September 2015, a federal judge dismissed Winston's tortious interference claim but declined to dismiss his claim for defamation.

November 2015: Threat to Sue CNN

In November 2015, 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 between Winston and his accuser were settled out of court, four months before the case was scheduled to go to trial.

2016: Alleged Groping of Uber Driver

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

2016: Lawsuit Settlement with FSU

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 Investigation into Uber Incident

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

2017: Shoulder Injury and Altercation

During Week 6, in 2017, Jameis Winston sustained a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. He was later fined $12,154 for an altercation with Saints rookie Marshon Lattimore, while being assisted by teammate Mike Evans.