A Star Player Accused, And A Flawed Rape Investigation

Flaws Throughout Investigation Of Florida State Rape Case
TALLAHASSEE, FL - APRIL 12: Jameis Winston #5 of the Garnet team leaves the field following Florida State's Garnet and Gold spring game at Doak Campbell Stadium on April 12, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - APRIL 12: Jameis Winston #5 of the Garnet team leaves the field following Florida State's Garnet and Gold spring game at Doak Campbell Stadium on April 12, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Tallahassee, Fla. — Early on the morning of Dec. 7, 2012, a freshman at Florida State University reported that she had been raped by a stranger somewhere off campus after a night of drinking at a popular Tallahassee bar called Potbelly’s.

As she gave her account to the police, several bruises began to appear, indicating recent trauma. Tests would later find semen on her underwear.

For nearly a year, the events of that evening remained a well-kept secret until the woman’s allegations burst into the open, roiling the university and threatening a prized asset: Jameis Winston, one of the marquee names of college football.

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