Jameis Winston accuser plans to file lawsuit

The attorney for a woman who accused star Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston of sexual assault said Thursday that she intends to sue the school, the Tallahassee Police Department and the player himself.

Also Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott’s office released letters written to him in December by the accuser and her mother, imploring him to reconsider opening an investigation into the case. Florida State, the Tallahassee Police Department and an attorney for Winston couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

Attorney Patricia Carroll, who represents the woman who accused Winston of rape, said she plans to file a notice to sue the police department early next week. Under Florida law, anyone filing a lawsuit against a government agency must file court paperwork six months prior to the suit itself.

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James Franklin appears to have a decision to make. Stay at Vanderbilt or take over as football coach at Penn State.

Vanderbilt Athletic Director David Williams said Thursday night he exchanged text messages with his coach and Franklin “basically said that he is our coach. He hasn’t made a decision.”

Williams would not confirm Franklin has an offer from Penn State but has indicated Nittany Lions officials have been in contact with the coach.

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Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller is coming back for his senior season.

Miller announced through the university that he will return. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder had been contemplating jumping into the NFL draft a year early.

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All-American left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix are leading a contingent of Alabama players leaving early for the NFL.

Those Crimson Tide stars were joined in announcing their departures by linebacker Adrian Hubbard and defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan.

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All-Big Ten running back Ameer Abdullah said he is returning to Nebraska for his senior season.

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Sang-Moon Bae made seven birdies in pristine conditions along the shores of Oahu for a bogey-free 63 and the early lead in the Sony Open at Honolulu.

Bae needed every one of them to stay ahead of Chris Kirk, who is in his group.

Kirk rallied for a 29 on the back nine of Waialae Country Club and was one shot behind in the first full-field event of the year.

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Raphael Jacquelin shot a bogey-free five-under 67 in extremely windy conditions at Durban on South Africa’s east coast to take the first-round lead in the European Tour’s Volvo Golf Champions.

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Top-ranked Rafael Nadal got a challenging draw at the Australian Open, with Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro all drawn into his half.

Nadal faces Australia’s Bernard Tomic in the first round, could meet Del Potro in the quarterfinals and then has a potential semifinal against Murray or Federer.

Three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic is on the other half with No. 3-ranked David Ferrer.