FSU coach Jimbo Fisher on Jameis Winston case: 'There was no crime'
Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said Monday that he has no concerns about quarterback Jameis Winston's status for the rest of the season in light of news that Winston faces a disciplinary hearing regarding sexual assault allegations against him.
Fisher criticized the media for how it has shaped Winston's public perception, and he asked the media to focus on the known facts of the case.
"There is no victim because there was no crime," saidFisher. "This country is based on innocent until proven guilty. Not guilty until proven innocent."
• Winston's best legal move may be to drop out of Florida State
Winston was accused of sexual assault in December 2012. No charges were filed, and an investigation was opened a year later with no charges being filed once again. The university recently launched a Title IX investigation into the alleged sexual assault.
"There's nothing new to come out."
"Read the reports. The facts of the case are there. They haven't changed," said Fisher, according to Tomahawk Nation.
In April, The New York Timespublished a piece alleging that the investigation of the rape accusation by Tallahassee police was mishandled and "deeply flawed." On Friday, it published another piece that alleged Florida State football players have had arrests avoided and investigations stalled due to their status on the team.
"I think that's exactly the opposite," Fisher said of Friday's Times report.
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Fisher also said Winston deserves "huge credit" for being able to put aside what's being said about him.
"He can do it because he knows the facts," Fisher said.
• FSU's Jameis Winston expects to play against Notre Dame
The No. 2 Seminoles host No. 5 Notre Dame on Saturday.
- Molly Geary
