Jameis Winston being sued over sexual assault allegation

Former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is being sued over a sexual assault allegation, according to Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times.

The suit against Winston has been obtained by Vice Sports and was filed in state court in Florida by his past accuser. It alleges sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and infliction of emotional distress arising out of forcible rape. 

The complainant seeks damages exceeding $15,000 and alleges that Winston raped her at his apartment in 2012. 

Winston was not criminally charged due to a lack of evidence. He also avoided punishment from Florida State after a code of conduct hearing found that insufficient evidence was available. That ruling allowed him to play in the Rose Bowl against Oregon.

The accuser's attorney, John Clune, released the following statement:

Today, a very brave young woman filed her lawsuit against Jameis Winston for the sexual battery that she reported to police in December 2012. Over the past two years, this survivor of sexual violence has had to endure a delinquent police investigation, a hostile FSU athletic department, and Mr. Winston's bullying lawyer. But the more these forces sought to silence her, the more determined she has become to step forward and hold Jameis Winston accountable for his actions. With the support of her family, she is prepared for this fight and for the counterclaims and the smear campaigns that will surely follow.

We know that quite often the public is quick to support the cause against sexual violence but at times can be slow to support the individual women who come forward. We hope that this case becomes a model for understanding what real sexual assault cases look like as well as the barriers that survivors face in coming forward. Perhaps more than anything, Erica hopes to show other survivors the strength and empowerment that can come from refusing to stay silent no matter what forces are against you.

Jameis Winston in contrast has proven time and time again to be an entitled athlete who believes he can take what he wants. He took something here that he was not entitled to and he hurt someone. There are consequences for that behavior and since others have refused to hold him accountable, our client will.

Winston's attorney, David Cornwell, also issued a statement confirming the lawsuit.

"This stunt was expected," Cornwell said. "Kinsman’s false accusations have already been exposed six times. This time will be no different. Mr. Winston welcomes the opportunity to clear his name with the truth."

As of now Winston is expected to be drafted with one of the top-two picks in the NFL Draft.