Jameis Winston, Florida State’s starting quarterback and the current front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, will not be charged with sexual assault stemming from a December 2012 incident in which Winston’s DNA was found with a supposed rape victim. Winston and his legal team claimed the encounter was entirely consensual, but that didn’t ease the damage to his reputation and cast a cloud over Winston and the Seminoles, despite a remarkably successful season.
State Attorney Willie Meggs decided Thursday that the evidence gathered during the investigation was insufficient to press charges against Winston. Winston, who has remained silent throughout the proceedings, voluntarily submitted a DNA sample, which was matched to the DNA found with the alleged victim, and his lawyers have defended the supposedly consensual nature of the encounter.
The evidence against Winston was circumstantial to begin with, and the prosecutors’ platform became even shakier when the alleged rapist was described by the victim to have been around 5’11. Winston, who is 6’4, did not fit the profile of the attacker and allegations that the victim was seeking fame by accusing Winston became more and more prevalent.
With the incident behind him, Winston should be considered the top Heisman prospect, as it was thought that voters would be swayed by the outcome of the investigation. That being said, the accusation of rape alone could be a potential factor if Winston is not honored and the accusations, regardless of his innocence, will almost certainly follow him for the remainder of his career. At this point, only time will tell whether this incident will severely hinder Winston’s development, but currently, the future looks bright for the young athlete.