Advertisement

Report: Jameis Winston to declare for NFL draft following this season

Graham Watson

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston will leave school after this season.

According to a report by CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora, Winston was originally torn about whether to stay another year, but due to several off-field issues in the past few weeks, he has decided it’s best to move on.

Now, however, in the face of the multiple investigations into him, and what has become an adversarial relationship with school officials (excluding coach Jimbo Fisher and key members of the athletic department) it is virtually certain Winston is declaring no matter what happens in the second half of the season.

La Canfora said there have been several rumors that Winston would drop out of school because of his pending student code of conduct hearing and allegations he was paid for signing memorabilia, but La Canfora said that’s not likely to happen.

Some have suggested that Florida State star quarterback Jameis Winston might drop out of school as a way to avoid the institution's investigation into prior sexual assault charges brought against him, as well as an inquiry into whether he violated NCAA rules for being compensated for autographs, but several sources close to him said that is in no way a consideration.

Winston intends to fight vigilantly to maintain his innocence in both instances.

While La Canfora cites “sources” on his story, this decision has to be a no-brainer for Winston. There are too many off-field things going on around him to stay at Florida State another year. There would be no athletic benefit for him. In fact, staying might even decrease his draft stock.

And right now, Winston is probably in the best athletic place — at least in terms of public perception — that he’s been all season following a come-from-behind win against Notre Dame last weekend. That was the biggest win for the Seminoles this year and they now have nothing but smooth waters toward another undefeated campaign and a place in the College Football Playoff.

For more Florida State news, visit Warchant.com.

- - - - - - -

Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!

And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook