If Jameis Winston Has Any Sense He’ll Stay At Florida State

Oct 4, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) drops back to pass against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the fourth quarter at Doak Campbell Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 43-3. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

After watching Johnny Manziel make the leap this year, many speculate whether Jameis Winston could also go pro in 2015 as a sophomore.  It’s a fair question.  The Florida State quarterback really doesn’t have much left to accomplish.  He’s a Heisman trophy winner and a national champion with the kind of talent and polish as a quarterback that normally would guarantee him status as a 1st round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.  However his circumstances are special, even more so than Manziel.

Already in trouble for a myriad of violations including shoplifting and lewd behavior at public events, the most serious offense leveled on Jameis Winston was an alleged sexual assault back in 2012.  Initial investigations were inconclusive and no charges were filed but recent reports indicate questionable actions were undertaken to obstruct the states’ looking into the case.

According to a report, Winston’s defense attorney had full access to the police reports on the incident even before the state attorney Willie Meggs was even notified of the case.  On top of that, two of his FSU teammates who were present during the incident were caroused into signing affidavits supporting their quarterback before they could be questioned by police.  In other words, a defense was prepared long before the case was even made known to the state.

It doesn’t mean Winston is guilty, but it is questionable behavior for a supposedly innocent man.  Either way it’s just more negative attention in what should be a possible second-straight national title run.  Florida State is 5-0 and has practically a clear path to the NCAA playoffs.  Still, it’s getting harder and harder to justify Jameis Winston being a 1st round pick next April.

Given all the talk about his intelligence for the game, maybe he should use some of that and realize it may be best for him to ride out the storm and stay in school.