Florida State University pays $950,000 to settle Jameis Winston rape lawsuit

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Florida State University has agreed to pay $950,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by a woman who accused former FSU quarterback Jameis Winston of a 2012 rape.

The university did not admit liability in the settlement. FSU will pay $950,000 to Erica Kinsman, an amount that includes lawyer fees, and will also make a five-year commitment to sexual assault awareness, prevention and training programs, USA Today reported.

Kinsman will receive about $250,000 of the total amount.

FSU President John Thrasher said the school agreed to settle in order to avoid expensive litigation.

"We have an obligation to our students, their parents and Florida taxpayers to deal with this case, as we do all litigation, in a financially responsible manner," Thrasher said in a statement. "With all the economic demands we face, at some point it doesn't make sense to continue even though we are convinced we would have prevailed."

In Kinsman's lawsuit against FSU, Kinsman alleged the university was "deliberately indifferent" to her reported sexual assault while it also concealed and obstructed the sexual-assault investigation so Winston could continue to play college football.

"I will always be disappointed that I had to leave the school I dreamed of attending since I was little," Kinsman said in a statement. "I am happy that FSU has committed to continue making changes in order to ensure a safer environment for all students."

Kinsman accused Winston of sexual assault, battery, false imprisonment and infliction of emotional distress.

Kinsman's attorneys argue that she and Winston met at a Tallahassee bar on Dec. 6, 2012. After drinking a shot of alcohol bought by Winston, the suit alleges, Kinsman was helped into a taxi cab by the quarterback and two others and taken to his apartment.

Upon arrival there, Kinsman claims, Winston stripped her naked and forcibly had intercourse with her -- during which she repeatedly said, "no" and "please stop." But, the complaint says, Winston did not stop. One of Winston's teammates, identified in the suit as Chris Casher, is accused of filming the rape with his cellphone and later saying he'd hoped to join in the assault.

Kinsman still has an active lawsuit against Winston, accusing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers player of sexual battery. Winston also countersued Kinsman for defamation, the Orlando Sentinel reported.