The sexual assault case involving Florida State University star quarterback Jameis Winston was at one time considered a closed matter. The alleged victim said that she did not want to pursue charges. It was not until a few weeks ago that the case was reopened. The vicim is now telling the Tampa Bay Times that police threatened her if she went forward with the charges against Winston. She says the detective told her, her life would be “made miserable” if she did want a criminal case opened.
The full statement, made by Detective Scott Angulo, said, “Tallahassee was a big football town and the victim needs to think long and hard before proceeding against him because she will be raked over the coals and her life will be made miserable”. The woman also feared that she would be targeted by students on campus if Winston was charged with a felony and subsequently their quarterback was suspended.
Originally, once police started looking into the woman’s story, she became uncooperative and stopped answering their calls. The police were then informed that the victim did not want to pursue charged any longer. Jameis Winston has yet to make any statement regarding the matter. However, the Tallahassee Police Department informed Winston’s lawyer about the matter back in February which gave him ample time to prepare a strategy for how to handle this once it went public.
This story may sound like one out of Law and Order SVU, but it is far more common that many would like to think. College athletes being accused of sexual assault is becoming way too common. Winston has not been convicted of anything, but it is very interesting that he has remained silent on the issue. If the police did threaten the woman, I would not be surprised, but clearly they need to lose their jobs as well. Do you think Winston’s strategy to remain silent is smart?
