Florida Condition Seminoles mind coach Jimbo Fisher talks with quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throughout the 4th quarter from the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Doak Campbell Stadium. (Photo: John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports)
There's an excellent line between supporting a person and enabling him, and Florida Condition coach Jimbo Fisher keeps crossing it.
Jameis Winston bears responsibility for any apparently endless string of misdeeds varying from juvenile antics to criminal functions, no doubt. At 20, he's of sufficient age to understand better and, otherwise, one misdeed must have been enough to teach him.
But Fisher's equally endless capacity not only to absolve his star quarterback but discount or minimize anybody who'd dare hold him accountable only has offered to embolden Winston. Exactly how should we expect Winston to understand that his actions have effects when their own coach, the man who should be the adult within the room, displays their own stunning immaturity?
On Monday, Fisher cut short a job interview following a reporter had the audacity to inquire about when the coach's status has been broken because of all Winston's troubles. That wasn't enough, though. Fisher chastised the reporter and glared in the cameraman who filmed the exchange.
Jimbo Fisher abruptly ends interview after being requested about Jameis Winston's discipline issues
"Exactly why is my status going for a hit? For backing a child who's done no problem?Inch Fisher requested, incredulous. "I'd rather not enter into this."
Because the reporter happened over themself apologizing, Fisher's annoyance increased.
"The questions were not said to be requested today," he fumed, removing his mic. "No, I am done. I am done."
No, coach. You are not.
Once the star from the protecting national champion, and current No. 2 team in the united states, includes a rap sheet to complement his listing of accolades, it is a legitimate subject for question and discussion. When his coach and college have basically switched a blind eye to everything, that's fair game, too.
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Yet Fisher functions as though Winston may be the victim of the media witch search. Since it was the press that forced Winston to shoplift crab legs. And be a part of a BB gun fight with teammates at his apartment complex. And climb on the table and shout vulgar comments about women.
But it's Fisher's defense of Winston within the sexual assault situation that's been truly distasteful.
Requested a week ago concerning the college disciplinary hearing Winston is facing over an alleged sexual assault in December 2012, Fisher had the audacity to state, "There's not really a victim."
Yes, that is correct.
"There's not really a victim because there wasn't any crime," Fisher stated. "We are convicting a man over things that aren't true, according to evidence."
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Let alone the analysis am badly botched the public won't ever know precisely what went down. The lady who filed the complaint maintains she was raped, making Fisher's comments not just insensitive but inappropriate.
That Fisher would stick up for Winston is understandable. He's the main reason Florida Condition won the nation's title this past year, and can perfectly win another. Without Winston and the "Have you just observe that?Inch abilities, Florida Condition could have been elope the area by Notre Dame on Saturday night.
But Fisher is much more credible if he defends his star without disparaging a lady who states she's a rape victim. Or portraying Winston like a much-maligned altar boy.
Possibly this is exactly why his pep speak with Winston following Saturday night's victory came off weight loss for appearances than heartwarming.
"This is what you gotta do. Calm lower, don't provide them with that more than-exuberant look," Fisher told Winston. "Act very passive the following and obtain people back in your corner. You realize what I am suggesting? Humble. Humble cake."
The recommendation is sage. But telling Winston to "act very passive" so he could "get people back in your cornerInch smacked to be disingenuous – especially because it ended entirely look at the cameras instead of the privacy of Florida State's locker room.
After Winston left the area, Fisher gushed about his team's character and integrity. Bad it does not start at the very top.
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