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 player ever 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 Filed with TPD

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

February 2013: Sexual Assault Complaint Classified as Open/Inactive

In February 2013, the sexual assault complaint against Winston was investigated by the police and classified as open/inactive with no charges being filed.

July 2013: Police Complaint for Stealing Soda 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 came into the restaurant with three men, but did not order any food, and filled cups with soda without paying.

November 14, 2013: State Attorney Opens 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 Jameis Winston that was originally filed with the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) on December 7, 2012.

November 2013: DNA Sample Taken and Matched

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

December 5, 2013: State Attorney Announces 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, 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.

April 16, 2014: Report of 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. 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 for Defamation

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

September 17, 2014: Suspension for Inappropriate Shouting

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

December 21, 2014: Cleared of Student Code Violation

On December 21, 2014, Jameis Winston was cleared of violating the student conduct code in the sexual assault allegation during the official FSU hearing.

September 2015: Tortious Interference Claim Dismissed

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

November 2015: Threat to Sue CNN Over "The Hunting Ground"

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. CNN aired the documentary on November 22, 2015.

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December 2016: Civil Claims Settled Out of Court

In December 2016, the civil claims against Jameis Winston were settled out of court.

2016: Alleged Groping of Uber Driver

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

2016: University Settlement of Title IX 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 Investigation into Groping Allegation

On November 17, 2017, it was reported that the NFL conducted an investigation into an allegation where Jameis Winston allegedly 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 and was later fined for an altercation with Saints rookie Marshon Lattimore. Despite the injury, he reached 10,000 career passing yards.