College football: Jameis Winston requests delay in hearing

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has requested a delay in the student code of conduct hearing scheduled for the week of Nov. 17, an attorney said Friday.

John Clune, a lawyer for the woman who says Winston sexually assaulted her, confirmed the request was made to the university but did not know how long of a delay Winston is seeking. He said Florida State has not ruled on Winston’s request.

Winston, the Heisman Trophy winner, is facing a hearing to determine whether he violated four sections of the code of conduct — two for sexual misconduct and two for endangerment. The former female student said he assaulted her in December 2012.

Winston family advisor David Cornwell made the formal request on Winston’s behalf in a letter sent to the university. He said in a statement Friday evening that Winston wants to “confront these false allegations.”

“But he expects and is entitled to do so on an even playing field,” Cornwell said. “We will end this baseless escapade by using the testimony of witnesses and other evidence contained in the approximately 1,000 documents and eight discs that were provided to Mr. Winston only one week ago.

“The University also has promised to provide additional evidence, including cellphone records.”

Cornwell’s statement ended with a response to the woman’s lawyers.

“Opposing counsel say they want the hearing,” Cornwell said. “They just don’t want Mr. Winston to have the time to prepare for it. “

Winston could face sanctions that range from a written or verbal reprimand, to probation that could include being removed from the football team, to expulsion from the university if he found in violation of the student code of conduct.

Winston is expected to play Saturday when the second-ranked Seminoles host Virginia. Florida State plays at Miami on Nov. 15 and against Boston College on Nov. 22.

Big Ten’s big game

It’s a rematch of the Big Ten title game on Saturday night.

First place in the Big Ten’s East Division — and a possible spot in college football’s new four-team playoff — will be on the line when eighth-ranked Michigan State hosts 14th-ranked Ohio State.

Michigan State has not lost to a Big Ten team since 2012. Ohio State is 20-0 in conference play during the regular season under Coach Urban Meyer. However, the Buckeyes lost to the Spartans in that 2013 title game. Both teams are 7-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play.