Jameis Winston says he did not sign autographs for money. Florida State just wants to make sure.
After more than 950 authenticated autographs showed up on the James Spence Authentication website, FSU’s compliance department has launched an investigation into whether the Florida State quarterback was compensated for his signature, ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported, citing a source.
Florida State wants to ensure the defending Heisman Trophy winner was not paid for his autograph, which would violate NCAA rules. Fisher asked Winston after Saturday’s game if he had signed anything for money, according to ESPN, and Winston told Fisher he had not.
“Kids sign things all the time,” Fisher told reporters Saturday. “So what do you want them to do, stop signing stuff? We could make them not have any fans from that standpoint and not sign for anybody. That’s what it’s going to come to, and that’s a shame for college football, that somebody exploits a kid.
“Now, if they’re getting paid for it, then I don’t have any knowledge of that. I don’t believe Jameis did.”
Winston is the second standout player in less than a week to become embroiled in a pay-for-autographs controversy, both involving JSA. Georgia running back Todd Gurley has been suspended indefinitely after an unidentified person reportedly told Georgia’s compliance office he paid Gurley $400 to sign merchandise earlier this year.
Photo via Rich Barnes/USA TODAY Sports Images
