Thoughts From the Morning After: FSU 20 BC 17

Winston Serves up More Ammo for Detractors

If you were wondering what the country is upset with Jameis Winston for this week– just watch the video above.

With about five minutes left in the third quarter Winston tried to get to the line quickly to start the next play — something Fisher had called — when an official attempted to prevent him from getting under center.

“He was just holding me because he said we had a substitution,” Winston said after the game. “It was actually a fast-tempo play, so I was trying to get up under there and let it ride.”

But the officials were giving Boston College a chance to match substitutions after FSU had made a switch at tailback– something Fisher seemed to dispute after the game. Either way, Winston wasn’t aware and as the play-clock dips down to about 20 seconds he attempts to get under center and start the play.

“I don’t think he realized it. He was caught up in the excitement of the moment. Hey, you get emotional. You play,” said Fisher. “He didn’t realize, he thought he could snap the ball. The kind of play we had was based off a quick run up the line, snap the ball. That’s what it was based on. I don’t know, we’ll see.”

ESPN has already taken its shots, consulting an officiating expert who said Winston should’ve been penalized 15 yards and ejected. And of course those who dislike Winston are just going to pile on.

For what it’s worth, don’t expect the NCAA to do anything about this. While the official is supposed to allow BC to match substitutions, things got confused on that play when the FSU offensive line got into position and the official had to attempt to hold the ball from behind Cam Erving at center. Were he over the ball — as he is supposed to be — he would’ve been able to hold the play without incident.

And contrary to ESPN’s narrative, the no-contact rule regarding officials — while important — is more intended to govern contact during negative interactions. There was no malice on Winston’s part. This wasn’t him shoving an official in anger– no matter how you try to spin it.

The best judge of the seriousness of the indiscretion was in the immediate reaction of the two announcers on the call. You can hear it at the end of that video. Neither responds angrily about how Winston should get the boot.

They laugh.

Next: Dalvin Cook