Florida State's Jameis Winston: Football 'my sanctuary'

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston said Saturday that nothing has changed for him since being cleared of student conduct violations last week related to allegations that he sexually assaulted a female student in 2012.

"I've been playing football since my redshirt freshman year, and that hasn't changed," Winston said during a brief media availability at Disneyland to kick off Rose Bowl week activities. "I really don't focus on that just like I usually use football as my sanctuary and focus on my academics and do the things I need to do."

Though Winston wouldn't say it was a relief that the allegations are now behind him — despite the State Attorney declining to prosecute the case, there was still a possibility until last week that a Title IX investigation would result in university discipline — Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said it was more important for Winston's family after more than a year of uncertainty and publicity about the case.

"Because they carry that burden with them," Fisher said. "Jameis compartmentalizes and knows the truth, but when those facts finally come out and everything (he's) been saying is definitely true and the world can hear that, I think it's huge and huge for his family, there's no doubt."

It is widely believed that Winston, a redshirt sophomore, will declare for the NFL Draft once Florida State's season is complete. He declined to say what his plans were beyond the College Football Playoff.

"We have two more games, hopefully," he said. "It's about now."