Herschel Walker Comments on Jameis Winston, Todd Gurley and Heisman Trophy

The college football landscape is currently being dominated by autograph scandals involving star players Jameis Winston and Todd Gurley. While many have sided with the athletes, one former Heisman Trophy winner feels differently.

According to comments from an appearance on ESPN's Paul Finebaum Show (via Kipp Adams of 247Sports), former University of Georgia star Herschel Walker is of the belief that both Winston and Gurley deserve to be punished for their roles in the controversy.

Gurley, who is arguably the best Georgia running back since Walker, was recently suspended indefinitely as the NCAA investigates whether he accepted money in exchange for autographs.

Walker feels as though Gurley's suspension is justified, but he is also mystified by Florida State's handling of Winston:

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It is a sad situation. But I think (Georgia head coach) Mark Richt is doing the right thing. I think Todd realized what he did is wrong. Coach Richt has sat him down, which I think is the correct thing to do because you don't want to jeopardize all the other players. If the NCAA comes in and finds something that they did was inappropriate, then the whole team, and everything they have done, is punishable. I think that is what is happening at Florida State, so that is why I am sort of shocked at that situation.

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The Seminoles' star quarterback is being investigated as well, but Florida State has opted against suspending the reigning Heisman Trophy winner thus far. Winston is no stranger to scandals, which is a big reason why Walker is unwilling to give him the benefit of the doubt:

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You want to talk about the rape case, I do not know about the rape case, but I do know the young lady never recanted her statement. You want to talk about the crab leg situation. What I do know is the video tape showed him walking out of the store without paying for it. You want to talk about him getting on the table, students were there videotaping it. But now this comes up again and they are 'oh he didn't do it.' He may not have done it, but you have to look at it and see what his word is worth.

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Winston is currently under review by Florida State for the sexual assault case mentioned by Walker. He has yet to be punished for his alleged involvement, although he was suspended for one game earlier in the season for inappropriate actions in the university's student union.

Even so, many, such as Greg Gabriel of 670 The Score, feel as though Winston has been protected far too much by FSU:

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Why does FSU allow Jameis Winston to play? It's an embarrassment and the Board of Trustees should be up in arms. Is $ that important?

— Greg Gabriel (@greggabe) October 11, 2014"

Walker has a Heisman vote due to his status as a past winner, but it is unlikely that he will cast one in favor of either Winston or Gurley this year. Walker didn't vote for Winston last season, and according to Adams, he feels the same way this time around:

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I did not vote for (Winston) because of anything he did on the field. When I won the Heisman, I hope it stood for more than me just playing football. I hope it stood for me being a person, how I did in school and for me being an athlete. Being an athlete is more than just playing the game. Being an athlete is about doing more. I did not vote for Jameis because of that. The Heisman Trophy is supposed to be about integrity. Until his act is cleaned up, I cannot give him my vote. And it is the same time with Todd Gurley. Right at this moment, I cannot give Gurley my vote. If he comes back and I see a change then, that vote can be there. But at this time today, I cannot give them my vote.

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While Gurley's Heisman chances have been damaged perhaps beyond repair by the suspension he is currently serving, Winston is still very much in the mix. If Walker has his way, though, he will not become the first back-to-back Heisman Trophy winner since Ohio State running back Archie Griffin.

It remains to be seen if the other voters hold the same opinion, but the fact that Walker is against both Winston and a star player from his alma mater speaks volumes.

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