I was at a red light this morning doing a quick scroll through my Twitter timeline…and suddenly I started seeing variations of “Jameis Winston” and “stealing” and “crab legs” pop up. And I was like…NO.
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
I KNOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW he’s not out here…no. I JUST KNOW HE. IS. NOT.
But:
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 Tallahasse 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 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 arrest is interesting given that the NCAA recently approved unlimited meals for student athletes.
{via Tomahawk Nation}
I didn’t want to believe that there was a lack of general intelligence there. But there is. There really is. He is a HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER. He has made history with being the youngest Heisman Trophy winner. And he is a NATIONAL CHAMP.
AND HE’S OUT HERE STEALING CRAB LEGS?
AND KETCHUP FROM BURGER KING!?
And I won’t even comment on the whole rape case thing.
Stop embarrassing us, please.
P.S. I’m laughing.
How do u pronounce “Jameis” is it like Jamie but plural, or like Jah Meece or like Jah miss or like Jammies or like Jam mice..?
— Djodeci Unsanged (@PhenomBlak) April 30, 2014
Valid question.
UPDATED: April 30,2014, 2:00pm
20 hours of community service is usually linked to civil citations, notice to appear. What does FSU do now?
— Jim Henry (@JimHenryTALLY) April 30, 2014
Martin: “I am confident he will complete his community service obligation and the situation will be resolved soon.”
— Brendan Sonnone (@osfsu) April 30, 2014
FSU’s Jimbo Fisher: “I fully support Coach Martin’s decision & will also make sure that Jameis meets all obligations, which I know he will” — Brendan Sonnone (@osfsu) April 30, 2014
The media crowd is not quite as big as Dec. 5, but there’s a decent group here for presser on Jameis Winston. pic.twitter.com/Gs3t4mipZm
— Brendan Sonnone (@osfsu) April 30, 2014
LCSO is about to begin press conference on Jameis Winston and the case of the stolen crab legs. — Brendan Sonnone (@osfsu) April 30, 2014
LCSO: “Jameis Winston has not been arrested for any crime. he was issued a civil citation, which is a pre-arrest diversion.”
— Brendan Sonnone (@osfsu) April 30, 2014
Winston said he forgot to pay. LCSO determined he was eligible for the pre-diversion program, which was agreed to by Publix and Winston. — Brendan Sonnone (@osfsu) April 30, 2014
LCSO stresses that this is not a criminal arrest.
— Brendan Sonnone (@osfsu) April 30, 2014
Confirmed: Winston took crab legs and crayfish. — Brendan Sonnone (@osfsu) April 30, 2014
There is video of Winston entering and leaving the Publix. Right now, video is not available because the case is pending.
— Brendan Sonnone (@osfsu) April 30, 2014
Oh. He just….forgot to pay.
UPDATED: April 30, 2014 3:00pm
“As reported in the news, last night I received an adult civil citation for petit theft from a local supermarket,” Winston said. “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.”
This isn’t the first time Winston has raised eyebrows with his off-field conduct, and he acknowledges that’s a problem.
“I realize that I am in the public spotlight and my conduct needs to be above reproach,” Winston said. “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.”
Winston may be a “20-year-old young man,” but that’s old enough to know you can’t just walk out of a store without paying for the merchandise you take. Winston is a supremely talented quarterback, but his off-field act is wearing thin.
{via Pro Football Talk}
Like the author said, 20 years old is old enough to know….you know what? Nevermind.
