Column: Not the time to give Heisman to Winston

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston looks for a receiver during a game against Florida in Gainesville, Fla.,  Nov. 30.(AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston looks for a receiver during a game against Florida in Gainesville, Fla., Nov. 30.(AP Photo/John Raoux)

By next week, the people who make sure the nation has a player worthy of the Heisman trophy – and the ESPN primetime show devoted to it – will have had their say.
And then we’ll know just what the definition of integrity means when it comes to handing out the little statue that means so much.
Look at the stats, the charisma of Jameis Winston and it’s a no brainer. The redshirt freshman has led Florida State to an undefeated season so far, a No. 1 ranking, and almost surely a berth in the BCS title game.
Look at the allegations of a woman who claims the star quarterback raped her and it’s another story. Look at how authorities in Tallahassee have handled it so far, and it’s distasteful at best.
Innocent until proven guilty? A grand concept, and for that, we should be grateful we have the judicial system to give us the final say.
But this isn’t about a courtroom trial, or being judged by a jury of peers. This has nothing to do with the possibility Winston could face going to prison instead of the NFL.
This is about voting for the Heisman. And this is about a good time to say no.
No to the notion that athletes should be exalted without question. No to a football culture that the woman’s family members said was so pervasive that detectives warned against pressing ahead with charges.
No to those who say that the only thing that matters is how many games you win, and how many alumni can brag they got tickets to the BCS title game.

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