Sports

Jameis Winston not charged after rape accusations

Sarah Hofmann Contributor
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Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is not being charged with anything in relation to allegations that he raped a female FSU student.

Willie Meggs, the state attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit, announced the news in a press conference on Thursday at the Leon County Courthouse.

Winston had been accused of raping a 19-year-old woman in December 2012 at an apartment, ESPN reports. The news became bigger when there were allegations that the Tallahassee Police Department had abandoned the case, or tried to cover it up. Winston’s lawyers admitted he had sex with the woman, but held that it was consensual.

“We have a duty as prosecutors to determine if each case has a reasonable likelihood of conviction,” Meggs said. “After reviewing the facts in this case, we do not feel that we can reach those burdens.”

Winston is considered to be a heavy favorite for the Heisman, although it’s unclear how the scandal, even without a charge, will affect his chances. Under his quarterbacking, FSU has been undefeated in this season. The deadline for Heisman ballots is Monday.

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