Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has been cleared in his Code of Conduct case at the university and will not face discipline, according to USA Today.
From the ruling by retired Florida State Supreme Court Chief Justice Major Harding:
This was a complex case, and I worked hard to make sure both parties had a full and fair opportunity to present information. In sum, the preponderance of the evidence has not shown that you are responsible for any of the charge violations of the Code. Namely, I find that the evidence before me is insufficient to satisfy the burden of proof.”
• Michael Vick: Jameis Winston is the ‘future’ of the NFL
Winston’s two-day hearing for the case ended on Dec. 3. The purpose of the hearing was to determine if Winston violated up to four school student conduct codes.
Winston was accused of sexual assault by a female Florida State student in December 2012. In November 2013, the state’s attorney announced that it was investigating the accusation. The investigation was completed a month later, and no charges were filed. Authorities have been criticized for being slow to act on the woman’s claim. In October, a FOX Sports report alleged that university administrators and Tallahassee police took steps to “hide and then hinder” an investigation.
At the hearing, Winston read a five-page statement denying the allegations against him, marking the first time he publicly gave his side of the story pertaining to the sexual assault allegations.
The ruling is allowed to be appealed within five class days after notification. Florida State is currently on winter break.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com