Heisman Voting In 2013 Trophy Race Results In Focus On Jameis Winston

The Heisman Voting in the 2013 race is largely focusing on dark horse candidates since the performance-based frontrunners have too many questions surrounding their personal lives.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the Heisman race in 2013 took an interesting turn when allegations over Jameis Winston’s sexual assault, and a small Johnny Manziel “scandal,” put the focus on the trophy’s integrity clause.

Ballots have already been sent out for the Heisman voting and the due date is December 5. But politics could play a major factor any winner. For example, back in 2005 the USC’s Reggie Bush had his Heisman trophy struck from the record as part of a disciplinary action by the NCAA.

Historically, most of the recent trophy winners claimed more than 70 percent of the possible Heisman votes. But this year the winner may only take about 30 percent. Statisticians have been busy polling people over the Heisman voting, and it seems likely that Jameis Winston is the front runner by a decent margin, with Andre Williams, AJ McCarron, Jordan Lynch, Johnny Manziel, Marcus Mariota, and Bryce Petty following in his wake.

The 2012 Heisman Trophy went to Johnny Manziel, setting a new record since he was the first freshman ever to receive the football award. But signing autographs is against NCAA rules, and he was benched for half a game by Texas A&M, although whether or not this relatively minor infraction will sway the Heisman voting is another matter entirely. Only one other person, Ohio State’s Archie Griffin, has won the Heisman race twice (1974 and 1975) but based upon the poll numbers it seems his odds are unlikely this year.

But if the Heisman voting goes in the favor of Jameis Winston, there’s the potential for an upset. The 2013 Heisman trophy winner will be announced in New York City on December 14, 2013. But Florida State Attorney Willie Meggs is investigating the Jameis Winston sexual assault allegations and he’s said a decision on whether to bring charges could now be two weeks or more.

Heisman Trophy coordinator Tim Henning was asked what would happen if Winston was charged with the crime after the Heisman voting was already over:

“We have a longstanding policy not to comment on hypothetical situations. Any discussion of a potential revote would have to be made by the Heisman Trophy trust. At the end of the day, the trust makes all decisions to anything pertaining to the Heisman.”

But even if Winston is charged it’s possibility the court will find him not guilty. But ESPN finds the whole situation fairly suspicious:

If the Heisman voting gives the 2013 trophy to Jameis Winston do you think it should be taken away if he’s charged with a crime? Or do you think the court would have to find him guilty first?