The star quarterback and the woman who said he raped her participated Tuesday in a student conduct hearing on the campus of Florida State University. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston is accused of raping a fellow student at an off-campus apartment December 2012.
The closed-door hearing adjourned after five hours and will resume Wednesday. Winston faces up to four violations of the FSU Student Conduct Code; two related to sexual misconduct and two others related to endangerment, according to university documents.
Former Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Major Harding is presiding over the hearing and will produce a finding of fact and determine whether any sanctions should be imposed. Winston could be expelled from the university.
“Jameis did not rape or sexually assault,” said Winston’s attorney David Cornwell Tuesday, according to The Tallahassee Democrat.
“Unfortunately, in these types of cases, the only way to confront a lie is with the truth,” said Cornwell. “Jameis will tell the truth and we are confident that Justice Harding when he hears her multiple lies and Jameis’ truth, will find as every other entity has to this point that she is lying.”
State Attorney Willie Meggs declined to charge Winston with sexual assault. He said problems with the Tallahassee Police Department investigation made prosecution difficult. The New York Times has more on that aspect of the case here.
The woman’s attorney also issued a statement to reporters before the hearing began.
“This courageous young woman finally gets the chance to stand up for herself and against Mr. Winston and big time college sports, which has long run over the rights and protection of women on campus,” said John Clune. “Neither Jameis Winston nor his lawyers can stop what is coming.”
A code of conduct hearing differs from a trial. The standard of evidence used to determine guilt is lower. A case does not have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt; instead a hearing officer bases a decision on the preponderance of evidence — that it is more likely than not the allegations are true.
Also, a student charged with sexual assault does not get to face the accuser. The accused and the complainant sit in different rooms and can ask written questions. The accused and plaintiff can have a lawyer and other counsel present but only the students may speak.
Harding and Winston may question witnesses and evidence submitted by the university.
The hearing comes with the FSU football team in the stretch drive for a second national championship. A win Saturday over Georgia Tech in the ACC championship game would place the Seminoles in a four-team playoff and a chance to repeat as national champions.
The university says typically a code of conduct decision is rendered seven to 10 days after the hearing concludes.
If a student is found in violation the decision may be appealed.
