Rape accuser sues football star Jameis Winston in Florida court

By Letitia Stein TAMPA, Fla. (Reuters) - College football star Jameis Winston, a contender for the top pick in the upcoming National Football League draft, was sued on Thursday in Florida court by a woman who claims he raped her in 2012, highlighting concerns about his off-the-field reputation. The lawsuit seeks financial damages from the quarterback at a sensitive time for the NFL, which has come under scrutiny for its handling of allegations of rape and domestic violence by its players. Winston did not face criminal charges in the alleged rape and was cleared of any conduct code violations as a student at Florida State University. The woman filed the lawsuit in a state court in Orlando, in part seeking to force Winston to answer questions under oath about what happened, said her attorney, John Clune.

Continue reading...