Jameis Winston cleared in FSU code of conduct hearing
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston won't face punishment from the Florida State code of conduct hearing involving the allegations of sexual assault against him from Dec. 2012.
Retired Florida Supreme Court justice Major Harding released his decision in a letter to Winston and the woman accusing him, which was obtained by USA Today. Harding was the man appointed to oversee the hearing.
"This was a complex case, and I worked hard to make sure both parties had a full and fair opportunity to present information. In sum, the preponderance of the evidence has not shown that you are responsible for any of the charge violations of the Code. Namely, I find that the evidence before me is insufficient to satisfy the burden of proof."
The ruling means that Winston will not be sidelined in the Rose Bowl against Oregon on Jan. 1 because of any university discipline from the hearing. However, because of the possibility of appeals, the chances of Winston missing the game seemed slim if there was ruled to be a violation of the code of conduct.
The long-awaited two-day hearing, which started on Dec. 2, was part of Title IX protocol to investigate all accusations of sexual assault. Winston was never criminally charged in the case due to a lack of evidence. The Florida state prosecutor's decision not to charge Winston came in December 2013, almost a year after the incident happened. The case had been reignited in November of that year after an 11-month delay.
In the letter, Harding also wrote the following:
"As summarized in the preceding paragraphs, the evidence regarding the events that unfolded between you and (the woman) once in your room is irreconcilable. In light of all the circumstances, I do not find the credibility of one story substantially stronger than that of the other. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. I cannot find with any confidence that the events as set forth by you, (the woman), or a particular combination thereof is more probable than not as required to find you responsible for a violation of the Code."
Winston did not answer any questions at the hearing and instead read a statement which described, in detail, his version of the events of the incident. In it, he explicitly said he never sexually assaulted his accuser.
Florida State is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education for the way it handled the investigation into the allegations. The accuser had filed a complaint with the DOE's Office of Civil Rights. There is a possibility the woman could also file a civil suit against Winston.
For more Florida State news, visit Warchant.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
