Winston lawyer: Civil suit is a ‘stunt’

Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.

The attorney for NFL prospect Jameis Winston said the lawsuit filed against the former Florida State University quarterback by a woman who says he raped her is “false” and a “stunt.”

David Cornwell said in written a statement Friday the lawsuit by former Florida State student Erica Kinsman was expected. He said her accusations have been rejected by police and Florida State. The lawsuit was filed Thursday, two weeks before the NFL draft where Winston could be the No. 1 pick.

“Ms. Kinsman’s false accusations have already been exposed and rejected six times. This time will be no different,” Cornwell said. “Mr. Winston welcomes the opportunity to clear his name with the truth. Mr. Winston is looking forward to the upcoming draft. He will not permit this ploy to distract him as he begins the journey of fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a championship quarterback in the National Football League.”

Kinsman says she was intoxicated at a Tallahassee bar in December 2012 when Winston and others took her back to Winston’s apartment and he sexually assaulted her. The lawsuit accuses Winston of rape, assault, false imprisonment and emotional distress. Winston says the sex was consensual.

The Associated Press does not routinely identify people who say they are sexual assault victims. However, Kinsman told her story publicly in a documentary.

Prosecutors declined to file charges against Winston in late 2013. He also was cleared by the university following a two-day student conduct hearing last year. The hearing was held to determine whether Winston violated four sections of the code of conduct — two for sexual misconduct and two for endangerment.

But John Clune, a lawyer for Kinsman, said in a statement Thursday there are consequences for Winston’s behavior “and since others have refused to hold him accountable, our client will.”