Reports: Jameis Winston Requests Postponement Of FSU Hearing

Just three days ago the attorney of the woman who accused Jameis Winston of sexual assault confirmed that Florida State's disciplinary hearing—which will decide whether Winston violated the school's conduct code—would be held on November 17. Winston's attorney David Cornwell shortly thereafter went on Twitter to complain about the quick timeframe.

But now ESPN is reporting that Cornwell sent a letter to Florida State yesterday requesting a delay in the hearing, and that the letter didn't specify how much more time he needed to prepare. While it isn't known yet whether the requested delay will be granted, Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times—who broke the original news of the request—believes it is a mere formality:

Baker quotes one of the accuser's attorneys as saying, "Mr. Cornwell obviously doesn't want his client to ever to do this hearing." While the worst penalty Winston faces at the hearing is expulsion from Florida State—and even that wouldn't affect his football season, as the decision won't be delivered until well-after it is completed—any statements he makes could be used in a future criminal case or civil suit.

A few weeks back Sports Illustrated's legal analyst wrote that, from a legal perspective, Jameis Winston's best move might be to drop out of Florida State. If his attorney can successfully delay the hearing into January, he may well do that and immediately begin preparing for the NFL Draft.

[ ESPN/ Tampa Bay Times]

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