Florida State has suspended quarterback Jameis Winston for the first half of this weekend's game against No. 22 Clemson, following an incident Tuesday where he was seen shouting an obscene sexual phrase on campus, ESPN reported.
FSU's interim president Dr. Garnett S. Stokes and athletic director, Stan Wilcox, called Winston's behavior "offensive and vulgar" in a statement Wednesday.
"As the university's most visible ambassadors, student-athletes at Florida State are expected to uphold at all times high standards of integrity and behavior that reflect well upon themselves, their families, coaches, teammates, the Department of Athletics and Florida State University," the joint statement said. "Student-athletes are expected to act in a way that reflects dignity and respect for others."
FSU students began posting several tweets Tuesday after multiple witnesses allegedly saw the reigning Heisman Trophy winner standing on a table near the student union and yelling sexual obscenities, apparently mimicking a popular internet video.
"It was not a good decision," coach Jimbo Fisher said of the incident during Wednesday's ACC teleconference. "You can't make certain statements that are derogatory or inflammatory to any person, race or gender. You have to understand that. You have to be very intelligent about what you say, (because) it matters."
Winston's college career has been marred with legal and disciplinary issues since exploding onto the college football scene in 2013. While Winston's talent is undeniable, his behavior and maturity have frequently come into question during his time at FSU for multiple off-the-field incidents.
"You don't ever want any kind of instances, but we have to keep learning and educating, we have to make better decisions, we have to make good decisions on things," Fisher said. "And we'll try to continue to do that and try to educate."
The Seminoles are currently ranked No. 1 in the country, and with only two games against ranked opponents on the schedule, are predicted as a playoff team in the NCAA's new postseason format. However, another off-the-field issue for Winston could put FSU's goals in jeopardy.
