Jimbo Fisher: Jameis Winston's shoplifting an 'honest mistake'
Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher elaborated on Heisman trophy-winner Jameis Winston's offseason citation for shoplifting, calling it an "honest mistake," according to FoxSports.com.
Winston was cited in April after he walked out of a Publix store without paying for crab legs, leading to a suspension from the Seminoles' baseball team. On Wednesday, Fisher said Winston was in a hurry because he had ordered wings from a restaurant two doors down from the supermarket, leading to him forgetting to pay for the crab legs by accident.
Fisher also pointed to Winston walking out of the store beside a sheriff as evidence Winston had no ill intent in not paying for the crab legs. More from Fisher:
"He made a mistake but it wasn't like he was trying to steal something. ... He'll learn from that, but Jameis is a tremendous human being. He is a great people person. There is no ill will or malice in his body.
"I say the child must die [in him] as far as decision-making, but at the same time, I like the child in him because you see the fun-loving [side] of him and the joy from playing the game, and I don't want that to ever go out of him."
The shoplifting incident came after Winston faced rape allegations last year, for which he eventually wasn't charged.
Last season, Winston threw for 4,057 yards and 40 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman, leading Florida State to its third national title.
More: Joking aside, Winston's shoplifting raises legitimate concerns
- Ben Estes
