Jimbo Fisher Defends Jameis Winston’s Innocence

Asked about Jameis Winston’s long-term prospects at FSU, Jimbo Fisher didn’t hesitate to voice his support for his quarterback.

Jimbo Fisher didn’t mince words on Monday when asked if he had any concerns about whether Jameis Winston would be on the field for FSU beyond the Notre Dame game.

“None,” said a defiant Fisher.

The question came from CBS’ Dennis Dodd, who was trying to ascertain Fisher’s confidence as FSU proceeds with a hearing in the Winston sexual assault investigation.

Fisher wasted little time in dressing him down.

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“I know the facts of the case. The facts haven’t changed in the case,” continued Fisher. “We know the reports, we know everything that’s out there. There’s nothing new that’s been out there. We’ve been through this.”

When asked about the potential consequences — suspension, possible expulsion — Fisher cut Dodd off again.

“[The hearing will be] based off facts. Based off facts, not opinion,” retorted Fisher. “I think we’ve got to be very careful in today’s society [not] to convict people in the public before they actually do in court or anywhere else. That’s happened in recent history and we saw me made a huge mistake and ruined a lot of lives. We need to be more responsible in our reporting and our opinions. And base [it on] the facts, and not write articles that are half true and not all the way true and put things out there that are truthful before we ruin someone’s career– based on facts not on everyone’s opinion and what they think it is.”

Later in Fisher’s press conference, he expounded on Winston’s situation a little more. The redshirt sophomore QB has been informed by FSU that he has five days to schedule an informational appointment before his hearing will be scheduled.

Winston could be hit with up to four charges.

I don’t want a victim for anything, but there is no victim because there was no crime.

“There’s nothing new [that’s] come out. Everyone acts like [all information in the new articles] is earth-shattering. It is concerning, but the facts of the case [haven’t changed]– read the report. Read whats there,” said Fisher. “The facts are the facts. That’s what they are. And when I see stories written that don’t have all the facts– that paint them towards their side of public opinion– this country is based on being innocent until proven guilty, not guilty until proven innocent. There are two sides of that. I don’t want a victim for anything, but there is no victim because there was no crime. We’re convcting a guy over things that are not true, based on evidence. Now if that continues yea, but there’s no evidence.”

Fisher closed his remarks on Jameis Winston by issuing one final statement of support.

“We believe in him,” said Fisher. “100 percent.”