Jameis Winston, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Florida State, found himself embroiled in off-field troubles once again Tuesday night when he was given a civil citation for shoplifting crab legs and crawfish from a Tallahassee, Fla., grocery store.
Maj. Michael Wood of the Leon County Sheriff's Office said that Winston ordered $32.72 worth of food from the deli at Publix shortly before 9 p.m. and, after receiving it, left without paying. When the police arrived at his residence a few hours later, Wood said, Winston was cooperative. He acknowledged his misstep, saying he "forgot" to pay, Wood said.
Winston must complete at least 20 hours of community service to avoid being criminally charged. The citation prompted Mike Martin, the Florida State baseball coach, to suspend Winston, a pitcher and outfielder, from the team.
An athlete at Florida State who receives a civil citation is eligible to practice and compete. It is up to the head coach to determine whether to issue further discipline.
"I am confident he will complete his community service obligation and the situation will be resolved soon," Martin said in a statement.
Jimbo Fisher, the Florida State football coach, said in a statement that he supported Martin's decision and added that he would "also make sure that Jameis meets all obligations, which I know he will."
It is the fourth incident involving Winston that has surfaced in the last 18 months. In November 2012, he was among a group of Florida State football players questioned after windows were smashed during a BB gun fight. The next July, the police were called to a Burger King in Tallahassee after an employee witnessed him stealing soda. Last November, he was investigated in a sexual battery case after a complaint was filed in December 2012. Winston was not charged or arrested in any of the cases.
In a statement released through his lawyer, Winston said:
"As reported in the news, last night I received an adult civil citation for petit theft from a local supermarket. I went to the supermarket with the intent to purchase dinner but made a terrible mistake for which I'm taking full responsibility. In a moment of youthful ignorance, I walked out of the store without paying for one of my items.
"I realize that I am in the public spotlight and my conduct needs to be above reproach. Over the last year I've learned that my accomplishments on the fields can be a wonderful thing for my school, teammates, friends and family. At the same time, I must realize that my mistakes are magnified and can bring great embarrassment to all those who support me every day. I make no excuses for my actions and will learn and grow from this unfortunate situation. I hope and pray my friends and family will view me as the 20-year-old young man that I am, and support me through this unfortunate situation.
"I am grateful to be able to participate in the adult citation program where I will complete community service."
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Amzing Moment: Florida State's Jameis Winston Cited for Shoplifting Seafood