Tampa Bay Bucs Jameis Winston Files Countersuit against Sexual Assault Accuser
Jameis Winston's attorneys have filed a countersuit against the former Florida State student who accused the quarterback of sexual assault.
Attorneys John F. Myers and David Cornwell Sr. filed the suit in federal court in Orlando on Friday. The Heisman Trophy winner stated that the woman, Erica Kinsman, is motivated by greed.
"Mr. Winston brings this action against Ms. Kinsman out of necessity, not malice or ill will," the court filing said, according to the Tampa Bay Times. "Nonetheless, Ms. Kinsman's false statements have irreparably harmed his professional and personal life."
"She has mounted a false and vicious media campaign to vilify Mr. Winston with the objective of getting him to pay her to go away. Ms. Kinsman is motivated by the most insidious objectives -- greed," the counterclaim added.
Roughly two weeks before the 2015 NFL Draft, which took place from April 30 to May 2, Kinsman filed a lawsuit claiming that Winston raped her. The suit also stated that Kinsman suffered emotional distress from the alleged attack.
"Erica hopes to show other survivors the strength and empowerment that can come from refusing to stay silent no matter what forces are against you," Kinsman attorney, John Clune said last month. "Jameis Winston in contrast has proven time and time again to be an entitled athlete who believes he can take what he wants."
Kinsman first accused Winston of rape back in December 2012. She stated that she was intoxicated when he brought her back to his apartment and sexually assaulted her. At the time, the state attorney, Willie Meggs, did not charge Winston due to insufficient evidence.
In Winston's counterclaim, it states that Kinsman's accusations are "false, defamatory ... and have maliciously and impermissibly interfered with Mr. Winston's business and personal relationships." Winston is seeking $75,000 in damages. Punitive damages will be decided at a later time.
Winston recently signed a four-year, $25.35 million deal, which included a $16.69 million signing bonus.
