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. He achieved early success at Florida State University, winning the Heisman Trophy as a freshman and leading his team to a national championship. Winston was drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015.

Sections (5)

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

December 7, 2012: Sexual assault allegation originally 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 open/inactive

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

July 2013: Accused of stealing soda at Burger King

In July 2013, a Burger King employee called police to complain that Jameis Winston was stealing soda, alleging he repeatedly filled a water cup with soda after being told to stop.

November 14, 2013: Sexual assault allegation investigation opened

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.

November 2013: DNA sample taken from Winston

In November 2013, a DNA sample was taken from Jameis Winston and it was found to match DNA found in the complainant's underwear.

December 5, 2013: Investigation closed, no charges filed

On December 5, 2013, State Attorney Willie Meggs announced the completion of the investigation into the sexual assault allegation and that no charges would be filed against Jameis Winston due to "major issues" with the woman's testimony.

April 2014: Accuser filed a civil suit

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

April 16, 2014: Reported irregularities in rape investigation

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

April 29, 2014: Issued 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, leading to an order to undergo 20 hours of community service and suspension from college baseball activity until completion.

May 2014: Winston countersued for defamation

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

September 17, 2014: Suspended for vulgar comments

On September 17, 2014, Jameis Winston was suspended for the first half of Florida State's upcoming game against Clemson after students tweeted that he shouted a vulgar internet meme while standing on a table in the Student Union, later extended to a full-game suspension.

December 21, 2014: Cleared of student conduct code violation

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

September 2015: Defamation claim allowed to proceed

In September 2015, a federal judge dismissed Winston's tortious interference claim but allowed his claim for defamation to proceed.

November 2015: Prepared 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 included disputed allegations about Winston.

December 2016: Civil claims settled out of court

In December 2016, the civil claims between Jameis Winston and his accuser were settled out of court, four months before the case was scheduled to go to trial.

2016: University paid 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, also agreeing to conduct five years of sexual awareness programs without admitting liability.

2016: Alleged groping of Uber driver

In 2016, Jameis Winston allegedly groped a female Uber driver.

November 17, 2017: Reported NFL investigation into alleged groping

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

2017: Injured Shoulder and Fined for 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.

2018: Suspended by NFL for violating conduct policy

In 2018, The NFL suspended Jameis Winston for the first three games of the season as a result of his involvement in the Uber incident, after finding that he violated the Personal Conduct Policy by touching the driver in an inappropriate and sexual manner without her consent.

2019: Led the League in Passing Yards and Interceptions

During the 2019 season, Jameis Winston led the league in passing yards but also led in interceptions, setting an NFL record for interceptions returned for touchdowns in a season.