Back in 2014, when Jameis Winston was not a renowned player, he was an average student at Florida State University. During his student days, he was accused of shoplifting crab legs and crawfish from a supermarket in Tallahassee. Fast-forward to the present day, and he makes fun of past incidents while promoting free crab legs for a local seafood business on social media.
Jameis Winston Turns Shoplifting Scandal Into a Comedic Advert
Winston promoted crab legs by posting on social media, telling fans to definitely grab their food from Fulton Fish for the big football game this weekend. He also jokes how, by spending over $250, you get a chance to get free crab legs.
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Choosing Winston to promote crab legs was a smart marketing strategy because his shoplifting incident at a Publix supermarket in Tallahassee once made national headlines. And it definitely got way more attention and eyeballs on the product.
The story of Winston and the stolen crab legs is one of the more famous and bizarre moments in recent college football history. It’s made even more controversial by Winston’s mixed statements on the incident, giving two very different versions of events at different points in his college football journey.
He says, “I went to the supermarket with the intent to purchase dinner but made a terrible mistake for which I’m taking full responsibility,” Winston said after the incident. “In a moment of youthful ignorance, I walked out of the store without paying for one of my items.”
However, there seems to be a catch to that story because, before becoming the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, Winston told Jim Harbaugh a whole different story while at the ESPN Draft Academy.
“Well, a week before, it was my buddy’s birthday, and we had got a cake. And we met a dude that worked inside Publix, and he said, ‘Hey, anytime you come in here, I got you.’ So that day, we just walked out, and he hooked us up with that,” Winston said.
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“And when I came in to get crab legs, I did the same thing, and he just gave them to me, and I walked out. And someone from inside the store had told the security that I didn’t pay for them. And that’s how the whole thing started.”
Whichever version of the events is true, Winston has always showcased his understanding of the consequences of his actions, even though he appears to make light of them with his most recent marketing campaign.
“I realize that I am in the public spotlight, and my conduct needs to be above reproach. Over the last year, I’ve learned that my accomplishments on the field can be a wonderful thing for my school, teammates, friends, and family,” Winston gave justification for the incident.
“At the same time, I must realize that my mistakes are magnified and can bring great embarrassment to all those who support me every day. I make no excuses for my actions and will learn and grow from this unfortunate situation. I hope and pray my friends and family will view me as the 20-year-old young man that I am and support me through this unfortunate situation.”
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