Former Florida State quarterback and NFL prospect Jameis Winston has been sued over a December 2012 sexual assault allegation by his accuser, Erica Kinsman, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Kinsman's lawsuit consists of claims of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and "intentional infliction of emotional distress arising out of forcible rape" against Winston.
John Clune, Kinsman's attorney, released the following statement:
"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 has denied all wrongdoing never been charged or arrested in the case as the State Attorney's Office cited a lack of evidence and Kinsman's "problematic" testimony. Florida State held a code of conduct hearing in December 2014 as to whether Winston violated school rules in the alleged incident, but he faced no punishment because the school said the credibility of either student wasn't "substantially stronger" than the other.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to make Winston the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft.
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