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Delay sought in Winston’s conduct code hearing

The Sports Xchange

November 07, 2014 at 1:29 pm.

Jameis Winston will likely go pro after the season. ( Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports)

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston’s attorney has requested that school officials delay his upcoming student conduct code hearing.

Winston potentially could face four violations for his conduct in an alleged sexual assault in December 2012.

Winston’s attorney, David Cornwell of Atlanta, requested the delay in a letter he sent to Florida State officials on Thursday. Cornwell, according to ESPN.com, did not specify how much time he would need to prepare for the hearing.

Florida State officials notified Cornwell and the woman’s attorneys earlier this week that the hearing would take place the week of Nov. 17.

“Mr. Cornwell obviously doesn’t want his client to ever do this hearing,” said John Clune, the accuser’s attorney.

Under Florida State’s student conduct rules and regulations, the university can proceed with a hearing even if Winston does not attend. Under the rules, Winston and the woman can have their attorneys advise them during the hearing, but the attorneys are not allowed to speak on their clients’ behalf.

Former Florida Supreme Court chief justice Major Harding was recently chosen as the hearing officer for the hearing.

Winston was accused of sexual assault in December. In November 2013, the state’s attorney announced that it was opening an investigation into the accusation. The investigation was completed a month later, and no charges were filed.

Florida State is currently being investigated by the Department of Education on how it handles possible Title IX violations. Winston’s accuser filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, which decided the university should be investigated for possible Title IX violations over the way it responds to sexual violence complaints.

Winston and the No. 2 Seminoles (8-0) host Virginia on Saturday.

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