Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston throws during action against The Citadel at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla., on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. (Photo Courtesy of Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)The quarterback has many jobs. On the field, he is responsible for directing the offense, dissecting defensive strategies and identifying holes to exploit.
But the quarterback's job does not end when he steps off the gridiron. Often the face of the team, the quarterback must be a role model and a respectable public figurehead.
But Florida State's Heisman Trophy winning passer Jameis Winston seems to need to learn that lesson.
Winston was suspended for FSU's pivotal game against then-ranked No. 22 Clemson on Saturday for shouting sexual remarks on Florida State's campus.
Originally, head coach Jimbo Fisher suspended Winston for just one half against Clemson and then on Friday, Fisher upped the suspension to encompass the entire game.
Winston, who was given college football's highest honor last season, is no stranger to off-the-field controversy.
Last season was overshadowed by an investigation into claims that Winston sexually assaulted a female FSU student.
After a well-publicized investigation into the claims, the Florida state attorney opted not to press charges against the local star.
At the time, the attorney, Willie Meggs, said that a review of the facts indicated that there was not a reasonable likelihood of conviction and therefore no action would be pursued.
During the offseason, Winston was cited for stealing crab legs from a Publix.
He was given an adult civil citation for the event. While a misdemeanor, it will never show up his record if he completes state-mandated sanctions.
And once again, Winston finds his name sullied and his reputation marred by acting immaturely.
There are many reasons why this most recent incident needs to be the last straw for Winston.
Let's start with the most obvious: He is a star quarterback. By virtue of his skill and position, Winston ought to act as a representative for the team and the university that people in the community and the nation can respect.
There is a reason why there are many more quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning (all quiet, respectful and community-oriented men) than there are like Johnny Manziel and Winston (often talked about more for off-field drama than on-field success). It's simply the way things need to be.
But that's not all. Winston was also awarded the Heisman Trophy which, by its own mission, is dedicated to integrity. With all these accusations and poor behavior, Winston has shown a stunning lack of integrity for a recipient of this coveted award.
And lastly, and most importantly, Winston needs to get his head on straight, because football as a whole is suffering.
The NFL is taking a brunt of the heat right now, and rightfully so, on multiple fronts. Concussions and player health/safety has been a big issue for years and this season, controversy after controversy has revealed a shocking lack of discipline and common sense from it's players.
But college football has had its share of drama. Just in the past few seasons, teams like Notre Dame, USC, Penn State and others have suffered from scandals of one form or another.
Football may be America's beloved sport, but it is on thin ice right now, and Winston, as one of college football's most well-known players and a potentially high NFL draft pick, needs to man up and be a better advocate for his team, his school and his sport.
Reach the sports editor at icbeck@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @ICBeck21
Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @statepresssport
