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Jack Nicklaus Defends Florida State’s Jameis Winston

By Andrew Melnick

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the grandfather of Florida State Seminoles' tight end Nick O'Leary, defended quarterback Jameis Winston Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the grandfather of Florida State Seminoles' tight end Nick O'Leary, defended quarterback Jameis Winston Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the grandfather of Florida State Seminoles‘ tight end Nick O’Leary, defended college football‘s reigning Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Jameis Winston

[realted-category]Last week, Florida State Seminoles’ quarterback Jameis Winston was in the news again.

Not only have several outlets written features about problems within the Florida State football program but Jameis Winston was connected to the same autograph authenticator as Georgia Bulldogs‘ running back Todd Gurley, who has been suspended indefinitely (The Bulldogs are filing paperwork to have Todd Gurley reinstated).

However, unlike Todd Gurley, Jameis Winston has had not had anyone accuse of him of taking money in exchange for autographs while Todd Gurley has.

Although Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher has continued to defend Jameis Winston, most have completely turned on him and assume he is guilty every time his name is connected to anything negative.

Now, golf legend Jack Nicklaus is defending Jameis Winston.

“I just hate to see them hammering a 20-year-old kid,” Nicklaus said via Tom D’Angelo of the Palm Beach Post. “Has he made mistakes? Maybe. But you’re supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, I think. Not charged and convicted and sentenced.

“I wonder how many autographs I have out there. Every game I go to I sign, probably 20 or 25 (people) and four or five each. Start adding that up. And he’s a lot more available than I am. He’s not the only kid with a couple thousand out there. A bunch of those kids have to have a couple thousand.”

Of course, the Golden Bear isn’t exactly an unbiased observer. His grandson is Florida State tight end Nick O’Leary, one of Jameis Winston’s favorite targets.

However, Jack Nicklaus does raise a good point amount how many autographs Jameis Winston – and others – sign.

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