We'll be updating this page tonight if any more news comes out about the December 2012 allegation against Jameis Winston -- an allegation that suspiciously is being reported almost a year later now that Winston is the leader in the Heisman race.
It is important to note that Jameis Winston has not been charged with any crime, even though police have had 11 months to do so. And we don't even have reason to believe that Winston remains a suspect.
TMZ says that Winston was investigated for a December 7, 2012 sexual battery. The Tallahassee Democrat surprisingly confirms this, despite the police report being absent of Winston's name, and containing the inconsistent description of the the suspect and Winston (see below).
We obtained a copy of the police report from the Tallahassee Police Department:
"The Tallahassee Police Department has received several requests from local and national media for a case TPD received on December 7th, 2012, of an alleged sexual battery. The case was assigned to the Special Victims Unit. TPD is continuing its investigation and has consulted with the State Attorney as to the direction of the case. A copy of the original report is attached to this email, which has been redacted to meet the requirements of Florida Statute 119."
The report is heavily redacted due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Also, the description in the police report of the suspect is of someone between 5'9 and 5'11, and 240 pounds. While laypeople may be poor at estimating height and weight, Winston is 6'4 and was smaller than his listed 235 pounds in early December 2012 (he added noticeable weight in the off-season program).
Winston's attorney spoke with the Democrat:
"This case has been going on for over a year. The case was basically closed and we're not sure why it's opened up," Jansen said. "We've been cooperating with the law enforcement agencies and we're hoping to get a quick resolution in favor of Mr. Winston.
Winston's attorney to WCTV:
Jansen says Winston has not been charged with anything and says Winston has never been questioned by Tallahassee police about the incident, not in December of 2012 and not recently.
Jansen says it is his understanding that this case was closed by Tallahassee police in February. -- WCTV
State Attorney to ESPN:
"We learned about the police report for the first time today," Meggs said. "I've had it read to me. I think the police department would have to tell you why I didn't learn about it for the first time until today." -- ESPN
Winston's attorney says a media outlet asked for records Friday, and provided record to the State Attorney Tuesday:
Jansen said he provided eyewitness affidavits Tuesday to the state attorney. Though he would not disclose the details of the affidavits, Jansen said, "They're witnesses who were present who can provide vital information." --
USA Today
This is interesting for timeline purposes.
Statement from Florida State
We are aware of a matter that was investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department almost a year ago. Because the investigation has not been closed by TPD, we cannot comment further at this time. We look forward to a speedy resolution of the issue. There is no change in Jameis Winston's status. Coach Jimbo Fisher and Jameis will be answering questions about football only until there is a resolution.
Winston did speak to the media after practice, but the session focused on football, at the request of FSU Sports Media.