Winston Rape Allegations Already Costing Heisman Votes

Are the rape allegations against Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston hurting his Heisman chances?

According some reports, yes.

While responsible voters are taking a wait-and-see approach on the Winston charges, pollsters like Robert Smith of ESPN admitted this morning that Winston will not get his vote until there's more clarity and a statement is made by Winston about it. Smith is not alone; other Heisman voters are looking harder at the issue as well.

"Certainly, voting for a player being investigated for alleged sexual abuse would make me think twice," said Randy Peterson of the Des Moines Register. "Right now, I don't think I'd vote for him."

Columnist Christine Brennan of USA TODAY Sports said, "it certainly would be a factor to me. It's a privilege to win the Heisman Trophy, and any candidate should be deserving of the honor. These allegations are serious and absolutely worthy of our attention."

Prior to this story breaking, Winston was considered by Bovada to be the odds-on favorite.

There are still those -- like Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports -- who are willing to give Winston the benefit of the doubt, but after reading a few of these comments, you have to wonder how long before his benefits run out and Winston is given the pink slip by Heisman voters.