Winston's Attorney: Former Heisman Winner Not Ready For Life Off NFL Field
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Chalk this one up as a giant red flag.
The attorney who has advised and represented Jameis Winston said Friday the former star at Florida State may have all the tools to be a franchise quarterback, but that doesn't mean he's equipped to handle the "life" of a professional football player.
"He's ready to be an NFL player on the field," David Cornwell said during a talk at Villanova University. "But he's not ready to be an NFL player off the field."
Winston, who has been projected by many experts as the top player in the draft, enjoyed many highs and lows during his two seasons at FSU, winning the Heisman Trophy and the national championship in 2013 before guiding the Seminoles to the national semifinals in 2014.
But he's also had several well-publicized off-the-field problems. He was accused of sexual assault and shoplifting crab legs, as well as taking part in a BB gun fight and shouting obscenities while standing on a campus cafeteria table.
Winston has wowed scouts in high-profile workouts leading up to the draft, which will be held from April 30-May 2 in Chicago. He separated himself from reigning Heisman winner Marcus Mariota in the minds of many with stellar performances at the NFL Combine and FSU's pro day. All of that has led many insiders to believe that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will make him the No. 1 overall pick.
Cornwell admitted that most college players aren't ready for the temptations that come with the wealth and fame of life in the NFL, but considering his checkered past and the importance of a first round pick to a franchise's future, Winston cannot afford to make any more mistakes.
"We have to assist him in growing and developing as a man," Cornwell said. "And it's not going to be easy. If he messes up again, he's done."
General manager Mike Maccagnan has said he would consider selecting Winston or Mariota if either are on the board when the Jets pick at No. 6.