Unless a left-field development comes out of the ivy before April 30, Jameis Winston will be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. This morning David Cornwell, his lawyer, told a group assembled at Villanova Law School to "book it" when it comes to Winston and his chances of going first overall. First reported by Joel D. Anderson of Buzzfeed, in the moderator-led discussion, Cornwell also spoke on Winston's off-field incidents and private life.
Cornwell talking about Winston's impending transition to the NFL. "This league will chew you up, spit you out and keep going."
— Joel D. Anderson (@byjoelanderson) April 10, 2015
"He's ready to be an NFL player on the field. But he's not ready to be an NFL player off the field" - Cornwell on Winston. Gotdamn.
— Joel D. Anderson (@byjoelanderson) April 10, 2015Controversy followed Winston throughout his time at Florida State. The accusation of rape still hangs over Winston amidst a questionable police investigation into the case, and beyond that, he hasn't served himself well in the public eye. Crab legs, FHRITP bombs, referee shoves, Bo Jackson-curves—the list of gaffs from this nationally recognized 21-year-old goes on.
After the discussion, Cornwell backtracked somewhat on his quote:
Just spoke with Cornwell. The implication is that Jameis still has some growing to do, not that he's unprepared to be in the NFL.
— Joel D. Anderson (@byjoelanderson) April 10, 2015But during the talk, Cornwell pointed out that Winston is indeed developing as a person (something that seems self-explanatory given his age), and has taken some proactive steps to prove it. The meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was the only example he gave.
Cornwell says it was Winston's idea to meet with Roger Goodell. "He has an incredible self-awareness" - Cornwell on Winston
— Joel D. Anderson (@byjoelanderson) April 10, 2015
"We have to assist him in growing and developing as a man. And it's not going to be easy" - Cornwell on Winston.
— Joel D. Anderson (@byjoelanderson) April 10, 2015This is why an NFL team, as creepy and invasive as it may have been, decided to spy on Winston during a flight. Weeks before the draft, and Winston's foul behaviors are still making headlines.
In all, these were hardly assuring words from Winston's lawyer, and any team that makes Winston the face of their franchise, and by default, the most popular person in any one NFL city, will be doing so with a degree of risk.
Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.
