A Star Player Accused, And A Flawed Rape Investigation

A Star Player Accused, And A Flawed Rape Investigation
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 06: Quarterback Jameis Winston #5 of the Florida State Seminoles jogs on to the field for the second half of the 2014 Vizio BCS National Championship Game against the Auburn Tigers at the Rose Bowl on January 6, 2014 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 06: Quarterback Jameis Winston #5 of the Florida State Seminoles jogs on to the field for the second half of the 2014 Vizio BCS National Championship Game against the Auburn Tigers at the Rose Bowl on January 6, 2014 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/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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