NOW he can pay for those crab legs: Jameis Winston celebrates being first pick in NFL draft... by eating delicacy he stole from supermarket 

  • He was chosen as the  number one pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
  • Former Florida State Seminole was widely expected to be chosen first
  • Strikes against him include rape allegation and shouting 'vulgar' comments on campus 
  • He was never charged with sex assault and cleared by FSU panel, but civil lawsuit is still pending against him 
  • Second pick for the Tennessee Titans was Marcus Mariota  

By Wills Robinson For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

Controversial quarterback Jameis Winston celebrated being the first pick in the NFL draft by eating a portion of crab legs - the food he stole from a grocery store last year.

The former Florida State University star and 2013 Heisman Trophy Winner was chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and given a four-year contract despite allegations he sexually assaulted a woman on campus.

The 21-year-old was never charged with sexually assault and was cleared by a university disciplinary panel - but a civil suit against him is still pending.

Winston was caught shoplifting $32 of seafood, including crab legs and craw fish, from a supermarket in Tallahassee in April 2014.

Scroll down for video 

Controversial quarterback Jameis Winston (pictured in Bessemer, Alabama, where he was watching the ceremony) has been picked first in the NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Controversial quarterback Jameis Winston (pictured in Bessemer, Alabama, where he was watching the ceremony) has been picked first in the NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

To celebrate, Winston ate a portion of crab legs - the food he stole from a Tallahassee, Florida supermarket in April 2014

To celebrate, Winston ate a portion of crab legs - the food he stole from a Tallahassee, Florida supermarket in April 2014

The 21-year-old dons his team's cap after hearing the news. He then posed for photos with a NFL football 

The former Florida State University star and 2013 Heisman Trophy Winner smiles as the answers the call from the Buccaneers and then smiles for a picture with his grandmother 

He was given a criminal citation, suspended from the baseball team he played for while not on the gridiron, and then took full responsibility for his actions.  

Last year he made the headlines yet again for getting on a table and shouting 'vulgar' comments on campus.

Despite the controversy he was widely expected to be the first name called during the ceremony in Chicago. 

He skipped the proceedings to watch on television back home in Bessemer, Alabama, with his family where he donned a red Tampa Bay cap in honor of his new team.

According to league rules, the lowest salary for a rookie NFL player is $435,000 a year, but Winston is likely to earn far more. 

Winston has denied the assault claims and prosecutors declined to file charges against him in late 2013.

He also was cleared by the university following a two-day student conduct hearing last year.  

The second pick, by the Tennessee Titans, went to the 2014 Heisman winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, of the University of Oregon.

With the third pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. of the Florida Gators. 

On April 16, Erica Kinsman filed a lawsuit against against the then top prospect Winston, claiming he assaulted and raped her at an off-campus apartment in 2012.

It seeks damages from the former Seminoles quarterback.

John Clune, a lawyer for Kinsman, said in a statement there are consequences for Winston's behavior 'and since others have refused to hold him accountable, our client will.' 

Members of his family celebrate as he listens to the phone call by the Buccaneers. He was picked above 2014 Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota 

Members of his family celebrate as he listens to the phone call by the Buccaneers. He was picked above 2014 Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota 

He hugs and kisses his girlfriend, Breion Allen, after it was announced that he was selected as the number one draft pick

He hugs and kisses his girlfriend, Breion Allen, after it was announced that he was selected as the number one draft pick

Winston opens his mouth in shock after hearing the news. He was widely anticipated to be taken first despite a string of controversies over the last 12 months 

Winston opens his mouth in shock after hearing the news. He was widely anticipated to be taken first despite a string of controversies over the last 12 months 

'Erica hopes to show other survivors the strength and empowerment that can come from refusing to stay silent no matter what forces are against you,' Clune said.

Kinsman told her alleged sexual assault story publicly in a documentary titled The Hunting Ground, which casts a critical eye on the role that fraternities, athletic departments and schools play in rape investigations on campus. 

Winston was given a criminal citation when he stole $32 worth of seafood from a grocery store last April.

He was suspended from the school's baseball team - for whom he played as a pitcher. 

But the Alabama native issued an apology in response.

He said: 'I went to the supermarket with the intent to purchase dinner but made a terrible mistake for which I'm taking full responsibility.

'In a moment of youthful ignorance, I walked out of the store without paying for one of my items. I realize that I am in the public spotlight and my conduct needs to be above reproach.'

He reaches out a hand to one of his supporters as relatives react to the news 

He reaches out a hand to one of his supporters as relatives react to the news 

The former Florida State University star (pictured at the scounting combine in February) and 2013 Heisman Trophy Winner was chosen despite allegations he sexually assaulted a woman on campus and has been caught shoplifting

The former Florida State University star (pictured at the scounting combine in February) and 2013 Heisman Trophy Winner was chosen despite allegations he sexually assaulted a woman on campus and has been caught shoplifting

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders celebrate along with fans after the team drafted Winston

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders celebrate along with fans after the team drafted Winston

RAPE ACCUSATION TIMELINE 

Winston has faced a string of controversies during his time at Florida State 

Winston has faced a string of controversies during his time at Florida State 

December 7, 2012 - Erica Kinsman files a police report claiming she was raped, though she can not identify the attacker.

January 10, 2013 - She tells Tallahassee police she recognizes Winston as the assailant in a class and hears a professor call his name.

November 13, 2013 - Prosecutor Willie Meggs is notified of the allegations and pushes police on an investigation, during which key witnesses are interviewed and evidence is sought.

November 2013 - Kinsman drops out of FSU, later claiming she received death threats for claiming she was raped by Winston.

December 5, 2013 - Meggs decides against pursuing criminal charges, saying that evidence is insufficient.

December 14, 2013 - Winston wins the Heisman Trophy, becoming the youngest player, at 19, to do so.

January 6, 2014 - Winston and the Seminoles win the BCS championship against Auburn.

December 21, 2014 - FSU clears Winston of any code of conduct violations after hearing presided over by retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Major Harding. 

 

 

 

 

Most watched News videos