In the latest attempt to move on from the off-field drama surrounding now former quarterback Jameis Winston, Florida State University has formally asked a judge to throw out a lawsuit filed by Winston’s accuser. The lawsuit against the university’s board of trustees, filed in January, arguing that university officials were aware of an alleged sexual harassment that led to a hostile environment should be dismissed for a lack of proof Florida State was responsible for the alleged harassment of Winston’s accuser, the university argues.
“Florida State University has no tolerance for sexual harassment of any kind, so being adverse to a former student and alleged sexual assault victim is an unwelcome position for the university,” a statement from Florida State president John Thrasher reads (via Tomahawk Nation). “Yet, we have no choice but to respond to her allegations of deliberate indifference in the strongest terms because the facts in the case do not support her account. If the court does not dismiss this complaint, FSU will look forward to setting the record straight by establishing the extensive assistance Erica Kinsman received from the university. The public must have full confidence in our commitment to protect and care for all our students.”
A statement filed with the request to the judge claims the media’s reporting of the story led to “an Internet and social media backlash,” which in fairness it did. Sometimes the story was used as a springboard to other stories involving Florida State and local authorities, the legitimacy of either quick to be put under a microscope. The university claims this media firestorm was beyond containment and was not ignited by the university.
Winston is entering the NFL Draft and is expected to be one of the top picks taken off the board this year. Winston has already been legally cleared in the investigation by authorities into the alleged assault, and the university found no evidence to punish him in its own code of conduct hearing.