Florida State Coach Jimbo Fisher defends Jameis Winston

It’s only Monday, but it’s already been a long week at Florida State.

A day after the Seminoles lost their No. 1 ranking, Florida State Coach Jimbo Fisher lashed back at critics in the continuing controversy swirling around star quarterback Jameis Winston.

“We need to be more responsible in our reporting, and our opinions,” Fisher said.

Winston faces a university disciplinary hearing for an alleged sexual assault in December 2012, in which he could face suspension or expulsion by a school council. The state attorney for Tallahassee has declined to charge Winston in the case.

Florida State hosts Notre Dame on Saturday in a game with national title implications.

Fisher said at his news conference Monday that he had no doubt Winston will play because “I know the facts of the case. The facts haven’t changed in the case. We know the report and know everything out there. There’s nothing new out there. We’ve been through this.”

When asked after Saturday’s win over Syracuse whether he expected to play against Notre Dame, Winston responded, “Of course.”

Stories last week by the New York Times and Fox suggested the Tallahassee Police Department had given favorable treatment to Winston and other Florida State football players.

Fisher said of Winston’s case: “There is no victim, because there is no crime. ... We’re convicting a guy over things that are not true.”