Jameis Winston Has Already Ruined His Chance to Repeat as Heisman Winner

Winning two Heisman trophies is really difficult. After all, it's only been done once in history (Archie Griffin in 1974-75).

It's even harder when you stand on a table and scream out vulgar phrases in this era where social media is king. If Jameis Winston's lukewarm statistics thus far this season hasn't all but killed his chances of winning a second Heisman Trophy, his seemingly perpetual bad decision-making has.

By now you've probably heard that Winston will be suspended for the first half of the Florida State Seminoles matchup with the Clemson Tigers on Saturday. The infraction that brought about this punishment was minor in the grand scheme of things, but still incessantly childish and stupid.

I won't repeat the phrase Winston used while standing on a table in a building on campus on Tuesday, but if you need details, you can check out the Deadspin article written by Samer Kalaf. (Disclaimer: contains vulgar text.)

With so much negativity haunting the sport thanks to the domestic violence charges that have plagued the NFL over the past month, this is not a good look.

The media that genuinely spurs on a Heisman campaign, and the voters who will make the final decision, are less likely to be favorable toward a player who has behaved the way Winston has.

We were all young once. You live, learn and take your lumps along the way. You can only hope that a person like Winston, with so much to lose, becomes cognizant of the fact that he must behave himself in a more civilized manner.

You hear the apology, but one has to wonder: does this kid really get it?

Today it's a second Heisman Trophy and perhaps a few slots on NFL teams' draft boards that are lost. If this isn't corrected, what's next to lose?

It would be different if this were his first offense. There was also the alleged sexual assault charges that didn't stick. While Winston was never found guilty of anything, we all know that such allegations place a stain on the name of the accused.

Fair or not, that is the case.

Then there's the shoplifting-for-crab-legs incident. While these infractions are obviously at varying levels of seriousness, it all still points to a young man who has a problem with self control.

Perhaps Winston's case for the Heisman would be stronger had he started the season better. In Week 1, he threw two interceptions and looked out of sorts until late in the game. He and the Noles barely survived the Oklahoma State Cowboys that day.

He looked more himself the following week, but then again, he was only facing Citadel. For the year, Winston has thrown for 626 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Compound Winston's slow start on the field with the fact that Oregon's Marcus Mariota is playing lights out. He's scored 11 total touchdowns and he hasn't turned the ball over all season.

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

He also has a sparkling reputation as a leader and high-character guy, as per Oregon Live. Notre Dame's Everett Golson has rebounded from his own issues in 2013 to have a stellar start in 2014. Golson also has 11 total touchdowns and hasn't turned the ball over either.

Heading into Week 4, Winston's on-field resume can't compare, and he isn't exactly the subject of a feel-good story right now.

Voters will likely be weighing the following scenarios: (Mariota) "kid having a fantastic year for a good team, with no off-the-field issues" vs. (Golson) "kid having a great year with storied program, who has bounced back from an infraction a year ago" vs. (Winston) "talented kid who has consistently found himself in controversial and dangerous situations off the field, but oh yeah, he can really play."

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Which player do you think will get the nod?

At this point, if Winston is still thinking about the Heisman Trophy, he shouldn't be. The priority for him should be to focus on improving his decision-making and maturing...in a hurry.

He has to get to a place where it bothers him that masses of people think he's an idiot, and that his intelligence—or perceived lack thereof—is a running joke. Winston is not a stupid person, but he is trying to prove otherwise.

Here's to hoping all the news he makes going forward is for touchdowns and charity work.