Jameis Winston named as rape suspect by alleged victim’s family

The Jameis Winston story took a potentially significant turn Wednesday when the Tampa Bay Times reported that a Tallahassee police detective allegedly warned an alleged sexual abuse victim that her life could “be made miserable” if she pursued charges against Florida State’s quarterback.

The statement, released through the family’s attorney, said the alleged victim was warned that Tallahassee was “a big football town.”

The statement alleges that a Florida State female student was raped last December and identifies Winston as the suspect.

Winston, a redshirt freshman who has led Florida State to a 10-0 record and No. 2 ranking in the BCS, has not been arrested or charged with a crime. He has emerged as a leading Heisman Trophy candidate.

Florida State needs to win out its remaining three games to secure a spot in this year’s BCS title game at the Rose Bowl. School rules require any player charged with a felony to be declared ineligible immediately.

The state attorney said he hoped to make a decision on the case within the next two weeks. Florida State hosts Idaho on Saturday.

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