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11/22/2024 04:05:18 am

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Jameis Winston Declares for NFL Draft While Florida State Sued by Woman Accuser

Quarterback Jameis Winston in November 2013.

(Photo : Reuters) Quarterback Jameis Winston in November 2013.

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston announced his availability for the National Football League (NFL) draft last Wednesday. The announcement was made at the same time that Florida State was sued by the woman who accused Winston of rape.

Winner of the 2013 Heisman Trophy, Winston had two more years of eligibility remaining at Florida State.

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Most draft analysts have projected Winston to be either the first or second quarterback chosen, with the other choice being this season's Heisman winner, Oregon quarterback, Marcus Mariota.

Analysts are projecting that these two players could be picked number one and two overall.

"I reached this very difficult decision after careful consideration and long thought, realizing how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my family at Florida State," Winston said in a statement released through his representative, the Legacy Agency.

He continues by saying that he was eternally grateful for the opportunity to play for the Seminoles, both as an athlete and a student in the classroom.

Winston had a great two-year career for Florida State. He was the youngest player to win the Heisman Trophy and also led his team to an undefeated season and the Football Bowl Subdivision title.

His record was 26-1 as the team's starting quarterback. His only loss came in a College Football Playoff semifinal, a 59-20 loss in the Rose Bowl.

A lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court in Orlando, Florida seeking a jury trial and damages while alleging the violation of the woman's Title IX rights.

The lawsuit says the university created a "hostile educational environment."

Jim Ryan, a Title IX compliance expert said that penalties for such violations were usually monetary in nature. He also said that the university could settle the lawsuit out of court.

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