Reports: Attorney for Jameis Winston asks to delay student conduct hearing
The attorney representing Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston asked the university to delay the student conduct hearing currently scheduled for the week of Nov. 17. Winston, the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, could face up to four violations of the university’s code of conduct stemming from an alleged sexual assault in December 2012.
According to ESPN.com, David Cornwell, Winston’s attorney, “requested the delay in a letter he sent to Florida State officials on Thursday.”
It is not known if the university has made a decision whether or not to grant Cornwell’s request.
John Clune, an attorney for Winston’s accuser, told the Tampa Bay Times that Cornwell said he needs “more time to prepare for the case.”
“Mr. Cornwell obviously doesn’t want his client to ever do this hearing,” Clune said.
The school’s student conduct rules say a hearing can potentially proceed without Winston in attendance. From ESPN.com:
Under Florida State’s student conduct rules and regulations, the university can proceed with a hearing even if Winston does not attend. Under the rules, Winston and the woman can have their attorneys advise them during the hearing, but the attorneys are not allowed to speak on their clients’ behalf. Winston is not obligated to answer any or all questions from the independent hearing observer.
Retired Florida Supreme Court chief justice Major Harding will preside over the hearing.
The Seminoles, ranked No. 2 in the country, host Virginia on Saturday.
For more Florida State news, visit Warchant.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
