Report: Winston hearing delayed until Dec. 1

Jameis Winston and the Seminoles currently rank No. 3 in the CFP Rankings. (USATSI)

According to a report from USA Today, a Florida State investigative hearing to determine whether an alleged sexual assault involving quarterback Jameis Winston violated the school’s student conduct code has been delayed to Dec. 1. Last week, it was announced the same hearing would take place the week of Nov. 17, but Winston’s adviser, David Cornwell, sent a letter to the school and the attorneys of the woman accusing Winston to delay the hearing.

If the hearing isn’t postponed again, it will take place nearly two years after Winston’s accuser first reported the incident to campus police.

The decision to delay the hearing has an immediate impact on Florida State’s football season. Depending on the outcome of the hearing, there was a chance that Winston could be removed from the school — and subsequently the team.

Now with this delay, no matter the outcome of the hearing, there’s a chance that a decision won’t be made until after the College Football Playoff selection committee chooses the four teams to compete in the tournament.

Also, USA Today reports that Florida State’s conduct code says a decision letter stemming from the hearing will be sent to the student within 10 class days from the conclusion of the hearing. The last day of the fall semester at Florida State is Dec. 12 with spring semester classes beginning Jan. 7.

That means it’s possible Winston wouldn’t be notified of the decision until Jan. 13. The College Football Playoff Championship Game is scheduled to be played on Jan. 12.

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