Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston’s student code conduct hearing wrapped up Wednesday in Tallahassee, Fla., without a decision being handed down.
Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Major Harding, appointed to hear the case, has 10 days based on the university academic calendar to make a ruling. Because of the semester break, Harding has until Jan. 13, which is one day after the College Football Playoff championship game, to issue his findings.
Winston and the Florida State student who accused him of sexually assaulting her were asked to submit their recommendations to a hearing officer within a week.
Attorneys for both sides were encouraged after the hearing, which was held to determine whether Winston broke any of the school’s code of conduct regulations for sexual misconduct and endangerment. Possible punishments range from expulsion to probation.
Winston’s adviser, David Cornwell, said the evidence suggests Winston did nothing wrong.
“The only thing we got was more inconsistencies and more lies,” said Cornwell, calling the proceedings “a shakedown.”
Attorney John Clune, who represents the female student, would like to see Winston expelled from the university.
The hearing took place over two days and was closed to the public. Winston, who did not speak with the media either day, was the subject of sexual assault allegations last December stemming from a December 2012 incident, but the State Attorney’s Office decided against pursuing charges against Winston.
According to reports, among those testifying Wednesday were Dinorah Harris of the Florida State Police Department and Jason Newlin of the State Attorney’s office.
Winston, the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, will lead the Seminoles into the ACC championship game against Georgia Tech on Saturday in Charlotte, N.C. Florida State is the only unbeaten team in FBS at 12-0 and ranked No. 4 this week in the CFP poll.