FSU QB Jameis Winston releases statement following citation for shoplifting
By Jack Crosby
Florida State Seminoles redshirt sophomore quarterback Jameis Winston found himself on the wrong side of the law for the second time in the last year, although this time was a little more bizarre. Winston was cited for shoplifting crab legs and crayfish from a local Publix supermarket, and he was subsequently suspended from the baseball team, fined, and will need to perform community service.
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference at 2 PM ET Wednesday afternoon, and shortly thereafter, Winston released this statement through his attorney, Tim Jansen, via our Florida State Seminoles site, Chop Chat:
"“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.”"
No matter how silly or bizarre the matter may seem, this is serious in the sense that, as mentioned before, this is the second time in the last year that Winston has been involved in some high-profile matter involving the police.
Hopefully this latest instance is the last that he has to deal with something of this nature and have to put the efforts of Jansen to use.