* For those wondering if there is any doubt that FSU quarterback Jameis Winston will not be back next year, consider this. While Winston, a Heisman Trophy-winning, red-shirt sophomore, has avoided criminal charges over sexual assault allegations, he is still under scrutiny for a possible student code of conduct violation. He could yet face a range of penalties ranging from a reprimand to expulsion.
Here’s how Robert Jarvis, a Nova Southeastern University law professor, explains it: “While Winston is in school, the hearing board has real teeth. Once Winston leaves school, the hearing board loses much of its teeth.”
Put it this way. Johnny Manziel, also a red-shirt Heisman Trophy winner, headed for the NFL draft as soon as he could–after his third year. And he was only hounded by charges of excessive celebrity–not sexual assault and blatant stupidity.
* It’s hardly a shock. Merely a disgrace. Jerry Angelo, former Bucs director of player personnel and Chicago Bears general manager, has admitted that teams looked the other way on “hundreds and hundreds” of domestic violence incidents during his 30-year career.
As noted, no surprise. We know the NFL’s labor pool. We know the money at stake. And we know that players wearing pink gloves and pink shoes during Breast Cancer Awareness Month changes nothing.
* Former USF basketball coach Stan Heath has landed an ESPN gig. He’ll be an analyst for ESPNU men’s games. And former Tampa Bay Ray first baseman Carlos Peñais now doing analysis for the MLB network.