Dec. 02--Jameis Winston's twice delayed code of conduct hearing is under way at FSU.
Winston, FSU's star quarterback, could be disciplined by university officials after being accused of sexually assaulting a female student nearly two years ago.
Winston, wearing a suit, walked into the FSU building to report to the hearing shortly before noon. The hearing is closed to the public.
John Clune, a Colorado-based attorney advising Winston's accuser, released a statement Tuesday that read:
"This is the day that Mr. Winston has been desperately trying to avoid for two years. This courageous young woman finally gets the chance to stand up for herself and against Mr. Winston and big time college sports which has long run over the rights and protection of women on campus.
"Neither Jameis Winston nor his lawyer can stop what is coming."
The state attorney investigated the rape allegation and ultimately opted not to pursue charges against the Heisman Trophy winner, citing an inefficient and ineffective police investigation. Winston and his representatives also have repeatedly said he is innocent.
"This is a process that began when the Tallahassee Police Department and the state attorney decided not to charge Jameis with the crime," said attorney David Cornwell, Winston's adviser. "Jameis Winston did not rape or sexually assault [the accuser.]"
Cornwell reiterated his argument Patricia Carroll, the accuser's previous attorney, threatened to sue his client and later sought $7 million in exchange to settle the case quietly.
The accuser's attorneys have stated in the past Cornwell was the one who initiated settlement discussions.
"We intend to end this process today," Cornwell said. "Unfortunately in these type of cases, the only way to confront the lie is with the truth. Jameis will tell the truth today, and we are confident Justice Harding, when he hears her multiple lies, and Jameis' truth, will find as every other entity has to this point, that she is lying. Jameis Winston did not rape or sexually assault [the accuser]."
When Cornwell was asked whether he expected Winston to play for FSU in ACC Championship Game Saturday, Cornwell responded, "absolutely."
Blaine Kerr, one of the accuser's Colorado-based attorneys, attended the hearing to adviser her.
Major Harding, a retired Florida Supreme Court justice FSU asked to supervise the hearing, was among the first to arrive at the venue shortly before noon.
The hearing could span multiple days.
FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said Monday he wasn't sure how the hearing might impact Winston's ability to practice and declined to comment further comment citing student privacy laws.
The Seminoles pushed back the start of practice from about 3:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, presumably to accomodate Winston's hearing schedule. It is the latest start time for an FSU regular-season practice this year.
When Fisher was asked whether he was concerned about Winston's hearing, he responded, "No, because we've proven we can win. We beat a great Clemson team without Jameis. We played great football."
Winston missed the game will serving a suspension for shouting a vulgar popular Internet meme in the middle of campus.
While he has been suspended from the football and baseball team for other infractions, the sexual assault allegation has not previously forced Winston to missed time from either sport.
Harding has up to 10 class or exam days to hand down a decision and issue potential sanctions following the hearing. Winston then has the option to appeal if he is found responsible for four conduct violations related to sexual misconduct. FSU appeals have spanned 60 to 90 days in the past. The potential timeline could easily extend past the Seminoles' potential appearance in the national championship game Jan. 12.
Check back soon for more updates on this developing story.
