Jameis Winston is answering a civil lawsuit with one of his own. According to CNN, the newly drafted NFL quarterback filed a counterclaim in May 2015 against Erica, the former Florida State student who sued him weeks earlier after accusing him of sexual assault in a case that first became public in 2013.
Winston’s filing, as reported by CNN, claims Erica made false statements about him and ran a media campaign meant to pressure him into paying her. It also says her side demanded $7 million to end the dispute. Winston’s filing describes her motives as financial, and Erica has not agreed with that description.
Winston has consistently denied the allegation. In the counterclaim he says he did not drug her and that the encounter was consensual. Reports at the time noted that no charges were ever filed against him.
Erica’s attorney, John Clune, responded that the counterclaims put Winston’s own background and conduct at issue. Clune said “the burden of proof is now on him” and argued that attacking people in the media will not help him in court.
The timing is notable. Winston was the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft on April 30, so the legal fight now plays out alongside the start of his pro career. The case is ongoing, and the claims from both sides are allegations that have not been decided by a court.
Source: CNN
Made to order and shipped to your door.
