TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida State quarterback and baseball player Jameis Winston was cited Tuesday for shoplifting crab legs and crawfish from a Tallahassee grocery store and has been suspended from the baseball team, according to the school.
Leon County sheriff's Major Michael Wood said Winston entered a Publix near the FSU campus and ordered some seafood. He exited the store and later returned to pick up the food and left without paying, Wood said.
The store called authorities, who went to Winston's home to question him about the incident.
Wood said Winston, 20, acknowledged that he left the store with the food, valued at $32.78, saying he forgot to pay.
Winston and Publix agreed that the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback would be entered into a new civil citation program, which is offered to anyone who commits a non-violent, misdemeanor crime as a first offense.
"This is not a criminal arrest," Wood said.
If he completes the program, no misdemeanor charges will be filed.
Winston, a relief pitcher for the Seminoles, will have to perform 20 hours of community service and may have to pay restitution, Wood said.
According to Wood, if Winston were to opt out of the program, the state attorney would determine if petty theft charges would be filed against the two-sport star.
"As a result of his citation last night, we are suspending Jameis Winston from the baseball team," said FSU baseball coach Mike Martin. "I am confident he will complete his community service obligation and the situation will be resolved soon."
FSU's Athletic Department code of conduct/discipline policy provides that a student-athlete with a civil citation is eligible to practice and compete, although the head coach has the final say.
"I fully support coach Martin's decision and will also make sure that Jameis meets all obligations, which I know he will," said FSU football coach Jimbo Fisher.
Winston was previously accused of rape, but the state attorney determined there was not enough evidence to charge him.
Winston, a redshirt sophomore for the Seminoles, threw the winning touchdown against Auburn to win the national championship earlier this year.