Jameis Winston suspended from baseball team after citation for shoplifting crab legs
By Nick Birdsong
Jameis Winston baseball
In this June 9, 2013, file photo, Florida State pitcher Jameis Winston (44) throws in the seventh inning of an NCAA college baseball tournament super regional game against Indiana in Tallahassee, Fla. He already has a Heisman Trophy and national championship in football on his resume and is the front-runner to win the job as the team's closer on the Seminoles squad favored to win the ACC Atlantic Division and make a run for a spot in the college World Series. (AP Photo/Phil Sears, File)
Heisman trophy winning quarterback and relief pitcher Jameis Winston has been suspended from FSU's baseball team after being cited by the Leon County Sheriff's Office for shoplifting from a Tallahassee Publix late Tuesday night.
LCSO Major Michael Wood said Winston,the reigning Heisman Trophy award-winner and a Hueytown High alumnus, was spotted exiting the store without paying for $32.72 in crab legs and crawfish.
"I want to start by saying Jameis Winston has not been arrested for any crime," Wood said at a press conference today. "He was issued a civil citation, which is a pre-arrest diversion the Leon County Sheriff's office along with other local law enforcement participate in in an effort to keep people out of the criminal justice system."
In order to avoid a criminal charge of petty theft, the 6-foot-4, 228-pounder will have to complete 20 hours of community service and possibly pay Publix back for the goods. He's also been suspended from FSU's baseball team, where's he's served primarily as a relief pitcher in second year on the diamond.
"As a result of his citation last night, we are suspending Jameis Winston from the baseball team," said FSU Baseball Coach Mike Martin. "I am confident he will complete his community service obligation and the situation will be resolved soon."
Added football coach Jimbo Fisher:
"I fully support Coach Martin's decision and will also make sure that Jameis meets all obligations, which I know he will."
After responding to a call, concerning the theft which was witnessed by a person Wood referred to as "a civilian employee", an LCSO officer spoke with both the store's staff and off-duty deputy who was present and was able to determine it was Winston who had left the store without paying.
The LCSO contacted Winston in-person, at his apartment, around midnight.
"In a post-Miranda interview, Jameis was very cooperative," Wood said. "He was available the day the deputies went and made contact with him. In a post-Miranda interview, he did in fact acknowledge he had left Publix without paying for the items. He indicated he had forgotten and when he got home, he realized that he had not paid but he in fact he had made no effort to contact Publix or return to pay prior to the deputies arrival."
Wood, who was not present Tuesday night, said he didn't know how deputies acquired Winston's address when asked by a reporter.
Wood said the pre-arrest diversion program is roughly a year old and offered to first-time offenders who haven't been charged with violent or sexual crimes. Both the victim, in this case Publix, and the defendant have to agree to enter the program. Should Winston not meet the program's requirements, he will be charged with criminal petty theft.
There is video of Winston at the store but Wood said since the case is classified as pending, it would not be made available to the public, until the case is closed.
UPDATE (2:29 p.m.)
Winston has released the following statement, concerning the matter:
"As reported in the news, last night I received an adult civil citation for petty theft from a local supermarket. I went to the supermarket with the intent to purchase dinner but made a terrible mistake for which I'm taking full responsibility. In a moment of youthful ignorance, I walked out of the store without paying for one of my items.
"I realize that I am in the public spotlight and my conduct needs to be above reproach. Over the last year I've learned that my accomplishments on the fields can be a wonderful thing for my school, teammates, friends, and family. At the same time, I must realize that my mistakes are magnified and can bring great embarrassment to all those who support me every day. I make no excuses for my actions and will learn and grow from this unfortunate situation. I hope and pray my friends and family will view me as the 20-year-old young man that I am, and support me through this unfortunate situation.
"I am grateful to be able to participate in the adult citation program where I will complete community service."