The New York Giants QB Jameis Winston has built a reputation not only for his on-field play but also for his off-field controversies dating back to his Florida State days. From a shoplifting incident to a groping accusation, trouble has often followed the Giants’ backup QB.
With the 2025 season approaching quickly, his future with the Giants does not look promising either. Reports of rookie Jaxson Dart outplaying him in camp have further clouded Winston’s standing in an already crowded QB room.
Jameis Winston Crabs Incident
Jameis Winston has carried a bad rep since his college days. From petty theft to more serious shoplifting incidents, trouble has repeatedly found its way to him.
Back in 2013, during his most successful college career, Winston made headlines not just for his Heisman Trophy and other accolades but also for stealing. In July of that year, a Burger King employee called cops on him after Winston repeatedly filled a cup with soda without paying. A police report states that Winston entered a restaurant with three others but never ordered food. Instead, he was seen filling ketchup cups with soda. When the employee confronted him, Winston requested a water cup but openly stated he would use it for soda.
Similarly, on April 29, 2014, the Florida State quarterback Winston’s post-Heisman Trophy offseason was marred by an embarrassing incident. Winston’s sticky fingers at the local Publix in Tallahassee, Florida, landed him an “adult civil citation.” Major Michael Wood of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office detailed the citation program as a pre-arrest diversion for minor offenses and only available to first-time offenders. As part of the program, Winston received 20 hours of community service and was required to pay restitution for the $32.72 worth of crab legs.
FSU statement on Winston. pic.twitter.com/FLAuD0hPDn
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) April 30, 2014
Winston addressed the incident by releasing a statement through his attorney, Tim Jansen, in which he took full responsibility for his actions. He acknowledged that he made a “terrible mistake.” He also admitted to walking out of the store without paying for an item. Winston noted his participation in the adult citation program. After the incident, FSU baseball coach Mike Martin suspended Winston from team activities.
