Jameis Winston Filed a Counterclaim Against His Accuser

Jameis Winston has filed a counterclaim against the woman who has accused him of sexual assault.

In a suit filed Friday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback alleges her claims are “false, defamatory … and have maliciously and impermissibly interfered with Mr. Winston’s business and personal relationships.”

Winston has maintained his innocence in the incident, which occurred in December 2012 when both parties were students at Florida State.

The counterclaim is seeking damages in excess of $75,000. The former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick last week signed a four-year, $23.35 million contract.

Winston’s attorneys say his accuser has created a “media circus” and demanded a $7 million settlement.

"“[She] has been successful in one major area,” the filing by attorneys for the 2013 Heisman winner said. “She has mounted a false and vicious media campaign to vilify Mr. Winston with the objective of getting him to pay her to go away. Ms. Kinsman is motivated by the most insidious objectives — greed.”"

Her attorneys see things differently.

"“Since he is now alleging injury to his great reputation, all of his past conduct will become front and center in the case and the burden of proof will be on him,” said John Clune. “I’m not sure how well that is going to work out for him, but he certainly has the right to try.”"

[Tampa Bay Times]