TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Dec. 22 (UPI) — Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston was cleared of violating the school’s code of conduct after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman in 2012.
Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Major Harding presided over the hearing and delivered his decision via a letter to Winston Sunday. He detailed the charges, the testimony and his decision that Winston did not make any violations.
“This was a complex case, and I worked hard to make sure both parties had a full and fair opportunity to present information. In sum, the preponderance of the evidence has not shown that you are responsible for any of the charged violations of the Code. Namely, I find that the evidence before me is insufficient to satisfy the burden of proof,” wrote Harding in the letter.
The decision came after FSU has faced criticism for their handling of the sexual assault charges against the star quarterback. Along with the school slow-walking disciplinary action, the police fumbled the investigation, leading to a failure to prosecute Winston’s case.
“We are stunned and dismayed by the order. It’s not a ‘decision’ at all but a statement that the judge couldn’t decide,” said John Clune and Baine Kerr, Title IX attorneys for the accuser.
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