Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston's student code of conduct hearing began on campus Tuesday. He and the former FSU student who accused him of sexual assault each presented their side of the case to a hearing officer.
The hearing comes a year after State Attorney Willie Meggs declined to press charges against Winston for a 2012 sexual assault allegation. A probe by the Tallahassee Police Department languished for months.
The Heisman trophy winner walked into the hearing with his attorney but did not answer any questions.
When asked if he would play in this weekend's ACC Championship game versus Georgia Tech, Winston's attorney said "absolutely". A few minutes later, Winston's accuser arrived with her lawyer, who made no statement.
Just before the hearing, Winston's attorney David Cornwell told reporters the quarterback's accuser is lying.
"Jameis will tell the truth and we are confident that Justice Harding, when he hears her multiple lies and Jameis' truth, will find as every other entity has to this point, that she is lying," Cornwell said.
The closed hearing is being held in front of retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Major Harding. It is uncertain when he will make a ruling on any potential code of conduct violations.
Florida State University is under federal investigation for its response to the sexual assault allegations against its star quarterback.
