U.S.

Should Jameis Winston Drop Out?

With Jameis Winston's disciplinary hearing looming some think the star QB should drop out to avoid potential legal trouble.

Should Jameis Winston Drop Out?
Getty Images / Grant Halverson
SMS

After winning the Heisman trophy and then BCS championship less than a year ago, some feel the best thing for Jameis Winston now is to drop out of Florida State. 

It's been one problem after another for the Seminoles quarterback with the most recent issue coming to light Monday: did Jameis Winston sign autographs for money?

James Spence Authentication or JSA reportedly authenticated more than 950 autographed items by Winston. (Video via WTSP)

JSA's founder told ESPN he believes all the autographs are real, and "The idea that Winston would have signed these items for a bunch of fans at different times is highly unlikely."

ESPN reports Florida State is opening an investigation into the autographs. This comes just a week after Georgia running back Todd Gurley was suspended for similar reasons. 

Despite constant off the field issues for Winston, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher remains supportive of the star QB. "This country is based on being innocent until proven guilty not guilty until proven innocent. ... We believe in him, 100 percent."

This latest scandal comes as Winston awaits a disciplinary hearing from Florida State concerning an alleged sexual assault in December 2012. Winston was not charged by the Tallahassee Police Department in the case. That hearing has yet to be scheduled and Winston has yet to charged by the university. 

All of this has lead some to wonder if Winston should get out college football entirely to protect his future. 

While Winston avoided criminal charges from the Tallahassee Police Department, Sports Illustrated points out if the University unearths any new details, that might persuade prosecutors to start a new investigation.

"Winston was only investigated for criminal conduct and not tried, meaning the Double Jeopardy clause of the Fifth Amendment does not protect him. Winston thus has an incentive to prevent any new facts or testimony from emerging that might persuade a prosecutor or a grand jury to take a second look at what happened."

But dropping out to avoid more legal woes could have its consequences. Yahoo Sports reporter Pat Forde says it would tarnish what's left of the QB's image. 

"It would tell us a lot about Jameis Winston and where he sits in a lot of this. A pretty tawdry end to a pretty tawdry college career."

The one place Winston has not struggled is the football field. His Seminoles remain undefeated this season and ranked number two in the country. 

This video includes images from Getty Images.