A well-documented sexual assault charge against Jameis Winston was closed last week, but has the media circus around the case involving the young star affected his chances of winning the Heisman Trophy?

On November 14th, 2012 the Florida State’s Attorney Office would open an investigation into a sexual assault complaint involving Winston, which was originally filed with the Tallahassee Police Department on December 7, 2012. The complaints had been investigated by the police earlier in the year with no charges filed and the case remained open/inactive until December 5th when it was announced no charges would be made.

A similar media storm surrounded Cam Newton in 2010 when it was alleged that his father had took payments in return for his son playing for a major college football program. After a 13 month investigation, Newton was cleared by the NCAA for any wrong-doing. During the legal battle, the soon-to-be first overall pick won the Heisman Trophy.  

Winston is a college redshirt freshman who played his inaugural college season like a ten-year NFL veteran. The 19-year-old set NCAA freshman records in passing yards (3,820) and touchdowns (38) on route to an undefeated season and a trip to Pasadena and the National Championship game against the Auburn Tigers. Winston’s and the Florida State Seminoles’ achievements in 2013 has put the man from Bessemer, Alabama in pole position to win the award ahead of last year’s winner Johnny Manziel, Oregon’s quarterback Marcus Mariota and running backs Tre Mason of Auburn and Andre Williams of Boston College.

Back in 2010, voters were not detracted by Cam Newton’s legal troubles as he scooped the prestigious award by claiming 81.55% of the possible points - only Troy Smith since 1998 (91.63%) received more votes. With that in mind I don’t think there is any doubt Winston will claim the award that has been handed to some of the greatest NFL players of all time such as Barry Sanders, Charles Woodson, Roger Staubach, Bo Jackson and many, many more.