(SportsNetwork.com) - A lawsuit has been filed against Jameis Winston by Erica Kinsman, a former Florida State student who accused the quarterback of raping her in December 2012, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Kinsman filed her civil lawsuit Thursday in the Ninth Judicial District Circuit Court in Orlando, claiming sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and "intentional infliction of emotional distress arising out of forcible rape." She is seeking in excess of $15,000 in damages.
Kinsman's attorney, John Clune, released the following statement:
"Today, a very brave young woman filed her lawsuit against Jameis Winston for the sexual battery that she reported to police in December 2012. Over the past two years, this survivor of sexual violence has had to endure a delinquent police investigation, a hostile FSU athletic department, and Mr. Winston's bullying lawyer. But the more these forces sought to silence her, the more determined she has become to step forward and hold Jameis Winston accountable for his actions. With the support of her family, she is prepared for this fight and for the counterclaims and the smear campaigns that will surely follow.
"We know that quite often the public is quick to support the cause against sexual violence but at times can be slow to support the individual women who come forward. We hope that this case becomes a model for understanding what real sexual assault cases look like as well as the barriers that survivors face in coming forward. Perhaps more than anything, 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.
"Jameis Winston in contrast has proven time and time again to be an entitled athlete who believes he can take what he wants. He took something here that he was not entitled to and he hurt someone. There are consequences for that behavior and since others have refused to hold him accountable, our client will."
Winston was not charged by the Tallahassee police department and was also cleared of violating the Florida State University code of conduct.
Winston, projected to be the No. 1 selection in this month's NFL Draft, finished his FSU career with a 26-1 record as a starter and completed 562-of-851 passes for 7,964 yards, 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. He won the 2013 Heisman Trophy and led the Seminoles to their third national championship.
Following FSU's initial decision in December, Kinsman's attorneys filed a federal Title IX lawsuit against the school in January.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.