I’m not sure who fed TMZ the tip about Jameis Winston’s sexual assault allegations, but they are sure to have a lasting ramification on the BCS Championship race.
According to section 5 of the Florida State University student conduct code, Winston would be banned from playing for the Seminoles if he’s charged with sexual misconduct.
(5) Offenses. The following offenses, or the aiding, abetting, or inciting of, or attempting to commit these offenses, constitute violations of the Student Conduct Code.
(a) Sexual Misconduct.
1. Any sexual act that occurs without the consent of the victim, or that occurs when the victim is unable to give consent.
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2. Obscene or indecent behavior, which includes, but is not limited to, exposure of one’s sexual organs or the display of sexual behavior that would reasonably be offensive to others.
3. Conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for another person. This includes unwanted, unwelcome, inappropriate, or irrelevant sexual or gender-based behaviors, actions or comments.
(b) Endangerment.
1. Physical violence towards another person or group.
2. Action(s) that endanger the health, safety, or well-being of one’s self or another person or group.
3. Interference with the freedom of another person to move about in a lawful manner.
(c) Harassment.
1. Conduct, (not of a sexual nature), that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for another person.
2. Action(s) or statement(s) that threaten harm or intimidate another.
3. Acts that invade the privacy of another person.
4. Stalking, defined as: to follow or otherwise contact another person repeatedly, so as to put that person in fear for his or her life or personal safety.
(d) Hazing.
Any group or individual action or activity that inflicts or intends to inflict physical or mental harm or discomfort or which may demean, disgrace, or degrade any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participant(s). Although hazing is related to a person’s initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any student group or organization, it is not necessary to have direct proof that a person’s initiation or continued membership is contingent upon participation in the activity for a charge of hazing to be upheld. The actions of either active, associate, new and/or prospective members of an organization may be considered hazing. Hazing includes, but is not limited to:
1. Interference with a student’s academic performance.
2. Forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or any other substance.
3. Forced physical activity, such as calisthenics.
4. Deprivation of food or sleep.
5. Kidnapping.
6. Any activity that would subject the individual to embarrassment or humiliation.
Please refer to the Florida State University Hazing Policy and Section 1006.63 Florida Statutes for more details.
The Seminoles as a football program are proceeding as normal right now, but the question has to be asked, will Tallahassee prosecutors at some point jump the gun and charge Winston regardless.