Jimbo approves: Winston suspended from FSU baseball team

Just a handful of hours after it first burst into the national consciousness, Crabgate is another step closer to ending its 15 minutes of meme fame.

As previously reported, Florida State’s baseball coach Mike Martin, confirmed Wednesday that Jameis Winston has been suspended from the Seminoles stick-and-ball team. In addition to being a Heisman-winning quarterback on the reigning BCS champions, Winston is also a relief pitcher and designated hitter on the nationally-ranked FSU baseball team.

Earlier today, it was reported that Winston was cited for shoplifting crab legs from a Publix store Tuesday. While there was initially some confusion regarding whether Winston was arrested and which department issued the citation, it was subsequently confirmed that Winston was cited by the Leon County Sheriff’s Department.

At a press conference that’s still ongoing, the LCSD confirmed that Winston was issued a civil citation for stealing $32.72 worth of product -- crab legs as well as crawfish. Winston, the law enforcement arm stated, admitted that he had forgotten to pay for the product and didn’t realize his mistake until he returned to his residence. However, Winston also failed to return to the store to pay for the merchandise.

Winston will be expected to pay restitution to Publix in the form of $32.72. If he fails to meet any of his obligations -- community service, paying a minimal fine -- his case would be forwarded to the State’s Attorney Office -- the same office that declined to charge Winston with rape late last year -- for prosecution.

As far as the university is concerned, Winston will be suspended from the baseball team until he completes community service -- 20 hours -- attached to the citation. Additionally, Winston was fined $30.

From the Tallahassee Democrat:

FSU’s Athletic Department Code of Conduct/Discipline Policy provides that a student-athlete with a civil citation is eligible to practice and compete. The decision as to whether they are allowed to practice and/or compete rests with the head coach.

“I fully support Coach Martin’s decision and will also make sure Jameis meets all of his obligations, which I know he will,” FSU head football coach Jimbo Fisher said in a statement.

Martin said in his statement that he’s “confident... the situation will be resolved soon.

While not expressly stated, it’s believed that, football-wise, Winston will face no punishment from Fisher or the athletic department.