TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida State University President John Thrasher is standing by head football coach Jimbo Fisher, who dismissed freshman quarterback De'Andre Johnson from the team after a video showing him punch a woman in the face at a Tallahassee nightclub surfaced.
"I fully support Coach Fisher's decisions to immediately suspend and subsequently dismiss De'Andre Johnson from the football team," Thrasher said in a statement released by the school Tuesday. "While it is always important to adhere to due process, having now seen the physical altercation captured on video, there is no question in my mind that Coach Fisher made the correct decisions."
Johnson was arrested on a charge of misdemeanor battery after the June 24 incident at Yianni's.
Surveillance video obtained Monday shows Johnson and the woman apparently pushing their way towards the front of the bar. Johnson appears to be nudging his way behind her, at which point she turns around and exchanges words with Johnson.
During the confrontation, Johnson appears to grab the woman's raised hand before she lunges at him with a closed fist.
The video then shows Johnson punch the woman in the face with a closed fist, knocking her back and causing her to spill a drink at the bar.
"I expect all students at Florida State University, including student-athletes, to adhere to the highest level of conduct," Thrasher said. "I have no tolerance for the kind of behavior exhibited in this case."
Johnson's attorney, Jose Baez, said the woman yelled racial epithets at his client before punches were thrown, although Johnson is not making excuses for what happened.
Baez, a Florida State alumnus who famously represented Casey Anthony in her high-profile murder trial, said that while "it is clear from the video that De'Andre Johnson was not the initial aggressor," his client is nonetheless "extremely embarrassed" by his actions. He said Johnson is participating in community service and "faith-based programs focused on battered women, substance abuse and the empowerment of children."
Florida State has endured plenty of public scrutiny in recent years, much of it centered on former quarterback Jameis Winston. The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 pick in this year's NFL Draft was accused of raping a woman in 2012, although the allegations weren't made public until almost a year later. Winston was never charged, and the Seminoles went on to win a national championship in 2013.
Winston didn't help alter public perception after he was cited for shoplifting crab legs from a Publix in April 2014. He was also suspended for a game last September after standing on top of a table at the student union and shouting a derogatory comment about women.
"Florida State University was forged from an outstanding college for women and has a long tradition of being a caring community that demands students be treated with dignity and respect," Thrasher said. "All students must know their university will do everything it can to ensure a safe, healthy and positive environment in which they can learn and enjoy their college experience. As president, I am committed to maintaining such an environment at FSU."
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