Football, for most of us, is not life. We may get so emotional and invested in it many times that it seems as if it is nearly as valuable to us as anything else we hold dear. Truly, when we step back, there are many things far more important than this game we are so passionate about.

If you are a Florida State alum, donor, employee, or even just a fan, you have every reason to defend Jameis Winston as if it is more important than just defending your team. With every uneducated comment, or insult, or negative reference, with every misleading, half fact article, people aren't just tearing down the player Jamies Winston, or branding the University as cheaters with only a desire to win football games and make money. With every ignorant comment, they are calling into question your character, your dignity, and your principles.

I had to take a step back to figure out just why this situation and everything swirling around it was bothering me so much more than I expected. I finally figured out why I was delving into every detail of all of these allegations and investigations, beyond what I normally would. I not only speak for myself, but for most, if not all of the people that I know personally that are associated with Florida State University. I would never trade my integrity for winning football (of course I say this as neither a player or coach). I would never support a guy, no matter how spectacular, if he were a woman abuser or sexual predator. I had to know, was this a guy I can still support? I wasn't looking for a way to find him not guilty for the sake of winning football. I was looking for the truth so that the character of my life stays consistent. When people that know me, see me, they associate me with FSU. Could I still be proud to say that? Would I still allow that?

I defend Jameis Winston because according to the facts that we have, he is not guilty of what he is accused of and labeled as. I defend Jameis Winston because I have educated myself enough to know that my passion and my character are in harmony, and my principles would not allow me to be associated with a person guilty of what he has been accused of, nor an organization that would condone it. I defend Jameis Winston because my personal character is called into question whenever the ignorance abounds about the whole situation. I take it personally for those that know me as a person, to imply that I ignore the truth in trade for 2-3 years of better football. If Jameis were guilty, I would say quickly to let justice be served. I take it personally that people would call into question my integrity and principles because they think we "just want to win."

Football, for most of us, is not life. For that very reason, I defend Jameis Winston, and so should anyone associated with Florida State University.