In the story that won't go away because Florida State handled it so poorly in the first place, Jameis Winston is being sued by his accuser Erica Kinsman over an alleged sexual assault that happened back in December 2012.
Her lawyer John Clune released the following statement this afternoon:
"Today, a very brave young woman filed her lawsuit against Jameis Winston for the sexual battery that she reported to police in December 2012. Over the past two years, this survivor of sexual violence has had to endure a delinquent police investigation, a hostile FSU athletic department, and Mr. Winston's bullying lawyer. But the more these forces sought to silence her, the more determined she has become to step forward and hold Jameis Winston accountable for his actions. With the support of her family, she is prepared for this fight and for the counterclaims and the smear campaigns that will surely follow.
"We know that quite often the public is quick to support the cause against sexual violence but at times can be slow to support the individual women who come forward. We hope that this case becomes a model for understanding what real sexual assault cases look like as well as the barriers that survivors face in coming forward. Perhaps more than anything, Erica hopes to show other survivors the strength and empowerment that can come from refusing to stay silent no matter what forces are against you.
"Jameis Winston in contrast has proven time and time again to be an entitled athlete who believes he can take what he wants. He took something here that he was not entitled to and he hurt someone. There are consequences for that behavior and since others have refused to hold him accountable, our client will."
Winston's attorney did not immediately respond to the new 'suit.
Kinsman is seeking damages in excess of $15,000. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Bucs (who will likely snag Winston with the first overall pick two weeks from tonight) have said that the outcome of the lawsuit won't alter their draft plans/strategy.
[via Tampa Bay Times]
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