Florida State's Jameis Winston was cited for allegedly shoplifting crab legs from Publix.
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston was issued a citation Tuesday for shoplifting crab legs from Publix, according to multiple sources. Winston, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is a red-shirt sophomore for the Seminoles.
"He got an adult civil citation," a trusted source inside Tallahassee Police told Tomahawk Nation. "If he completes the sanctions it will never show up on his record. They commonly give them to juveniles on first criminal offenses. They are now doing it for minor misdemeanors for adults to lower crime rate."
Winston tossed the winning touchdown in the National Championship game over Auburn in the closing seconds. On the year, he was 257-384 for 4057 yards and 40 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
Winston has had previous run-ins with the law, but no arrests. He was investigated for an alleged rape, but the State Attorney declined to bring charges due to a lack of evidence. In November, the associated press reported that Winston was questioned about his involvement in a long-running BB gun battle, and that a Burger King reported Winston was stealing soda in a ketchup cup.
The timing of the citation is interesting given that the NCAA recently approved unlimited meals for student athletes.
Winston was recently voted the quarterback on the Florida State All-Jimbo Fisher team.
11:30 Update: A source inside Florida State's program says that Winston will be fined $30, required to do community service, and will be suspended from the baseball team until his community service is completed.
11:35 Update: The Leon County Sheriff's Office will hold a 2 p.m. press conference concerning Jameis Winston.
1:38 Update: Jimbo Fisher and Mike Martin have issued statements on Winston being suspended from baseball until he finishes his community service.
"I fully support Coach Martin’s decision and will also make sure that Jameis meets all obligations, which I know he will." -- Jimbo Fisher
"I am confident he will complete his community service obligation and the situation will be resolved soon." -- Baseball coach Mike Martin
LCSO says Jameis Winston has not been arrested for any crime. He was issued a citation, which is a "pre-arrest diversion."
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014It was Club Pub on Ocala road. It was crab legs and crawfish. LCSO says he only left store with the seafood.
— Dustin Tackett (@dtackett_) April 30, 2014"We responded to a local publix to a report that someone had left without paying for 32.72 worth of food"
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014On arrival, we talked to staff and an off-duty deputy and identified the person was Jameis Winston.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014We made contact with Jameis to talk to him about this. In a post-Miranda interview, he cooperated, and he acknowledged leaving publix (1/2)
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014(2/2) Without paying. He said he forgot, realized when he got home, but had made no effort to return and pay before deputies arrived.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014We determined he was eligible for our pre-diversion citation program.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014Jameis and Publix had to agree for Winston to receive the citation. He has seven days to reach out and perform his community service.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014"This is not a criminal arrest. He has to fulfill the obligations, or it will be diverted back to the State's Attorney for prosecution."
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014Winston is expected to make restitution of $32.72 to Publix.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014Winston also had some crawfish. /Boosie Fade!
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014"He went in, made his order, left, came back, milled around the store, picked up some butter, left butter, left store with items."
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 201432 other people have been issues similar civil citations for similar crimes.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014There is video of Winston in the store and exiting the store.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014He left with the seafood and did not come back.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014LCSO explaining what crimes are eligible to avoid arrest and being given a citation. Had Publix not agreed, arrest would have gone through.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014Protocol at Publix IS different from procedure at Winn Dixie, a store which we know Winston has purchased crab legs before.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014Winston did not flee and there was no attempt to apprehend him. LCSO spokesperson says Winston is recognizable in Tallahassee.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014Winston left store at 9, law enforcement made contact after midnight. LCSO spokesperson does not know if Winston had boiled em yet.
— TomahawkNation.com (@TomahawkNation) April 30, 2014Update: Winston released a statement through his attorney...
"As reported in the news, last night I received an adult civil citation for petit 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."
Related: Fried soft-shell crabs meuniere
Correction: The original story said that Winston was arrested, but a source with Tallahassee Police says that it is being classified as a citation, and not an arrest.