Jameis Winston goes on offensive, files counterclaim against rape accuser

Jameis Winston has not yet been found responsible or indicted in the rape allegations against him, but now he’s going on the offensive.

WInston filed a counterclaim against accuser Erica Kinsman, according to Tomahawk Nation and the Tampa Bay Times.

“Mr. Winston brings this action against Ms. Kinsman out of necessity, not malice or ill will,” the court filing said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “Nonetheless, Ms. Kinsman’s false statements have irreparably harmed in his professional and personal life.”

Winston, the No. 1 overall pick of the draft last week to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had to answer questions about the alleged sexual assault all through the lead-up to the draft. It’s something that will always be associated with him, but presumably he wants to change that through this counterclaim.

The incident in question happened in December of 2012 when Winston and Kinsman were at Florida State. Winston was not criminally charged in the case due to insufficient evidence. He was cleared in a Florida State code of conduct hearing. Kinsman sued Winston in April, seeking damages, and also filed a Title IX lawsuit against Florida State. It’s the April lawsuit that Winston is bringing the counterclaim against.

According to USA Today, Winston’s counterclaim asserts defamation, defamation per se and tortious interference with prospective business advantage. He is asking for more than $75,000 in actual damages and punitive damages as well. Winston claims that the two had consensual sex on the night in question. USA Today said that Kinsman’s aunt, who was acting as her attorney when the allegation became known in late 2013, wanted a $7 million settlement.

It doesn’t seem like this is about money for Winston, who just signed a $25.35 million contract with the Buccaneers, although the suit claims that he lost out on lucrative endorsement deals over the accusations. And he must feel confident about his case to bring the counterclaim. 

That allegation has been a big part of Winston’s story since it became public. Will the narrative change, for Winston or against him, in this lawsuit?

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab