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Published Apr 30, 2014
Jameis Winston receives civil citation
Powell Latimer
Warchant.com Staff Writer
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Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston will have to complete community service and likely repay Publix for crab legs he did not pay for, according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office.
Winston, the defending Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and closer for FSU's baseball team, apparently left a Tallahassee Publix at approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday evening without paying for part of his purchase, which included roughly $32 in crab legs, butter and crawfish.
Publix employees called the Leon County Sheriff's office, which then investigated and interviewed Winston.
In a "post-miranda interview," according to LCSO spokesman Major Mike Wood, Winston admitted to leaving Publix without paying for the groceries. According to the LCSO, Winston ordered the seafood items, then purchased additional items while waiting for them to be prepared, but then left without paying for the seafood. He realized once he got home that he hadn't paid, but admitted making no effort to return the items to Publix or repay Publix.
Because Winston is a first-time offender and because this was a minor incident (petty theft), Winston was eligible for LSCO's Adult Civil Citation Program, which allows for minor infractions to be civil and not criminal.
He does not face criminal charges, provided he repays Publix for the food and completes 20 hours of community service. Should he decline to do the community service or fail to do so, the case then becomes criminal. If he completes the requirements of the civil citation program, the case will not go on his criminal record.
After the LSCO press conference, Jameis Winston released a statement through his attorney, Tim Jansen:
"As reported in the news, last night I received an adult civil citation for petty theft from a local supermarket. I went to the supermarket with the intent to purchase dinner but made a terrible mistake for which I'm taking full responsibility. In a moment of youthful ignorance, I walked out of the store without paying for one of my items.
"I realize that I am in the public spotlight and my conduct needs to be above reproach. Over the last year I've learned that my accomplishments on the fields can be a wonderful thing for my school, teammates, friends, and family. At the same time, I must realize that my mistakes are magnified and can bring great embarrassment to all those who support me every day. I make no excuses for my actions and will learn and grow from this unfortunate situation. I hope and pray my friends and family will view me as the 20-year-old young man that I am, and support me through this unfortunate situation.
"I am grateful to be able to participate in the adult citation program where I will complete community service."
Florida State has released a statement saying that because of his citation, Winston will be suspended from the FSU baseball team until he completes his community service requirement. Winston remains eligible to practice and compete with the team per FSU's student code of conduct, but the decision to play or suspend a player rests with the head coach of the respective sport.
"As a result of his citation last night, we are suspending Jameis Winston from the baseball team," said FSU Baseball Coach Mike Martin. "I am confident he will complete his community service obligation and the situation will be resolved soon."
"I fully support Coach Martin's decision and will also make sure that Jameis meets all obligations, which I know he will," said FSU Football Coach Jimbo Fisher.
TomahawkNation, an SBNation blog site focused on Florida State, posted a story early Wednesday morning saying Winston had been arrested, but later amended its story to say Winston had received a civil citation. The Tallahassee Police Department issued a public statement saying it had no new case against Winston said it had had no contact with Winston regarding any alleged citation.
Winston has never been charged with a crime in Tallahassee. The rising redshirt sophomore was investigated for alleged sexual assault last year, but not charged due to lack of evidence. Winston was also questioned as part of an investigation into a long-running BB gun battle between Florida State athletes in an off-campus apartment, according to reports from the Associated Press.
The NCAA recently approved rule changes to remove restrictions on how much food collegiate athletes can receive.
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