Content warning: This post mentions rape and sexual assault.
Former NFL tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. has requested his 14-year prison sentence be reduced, arguing that the physical trauma he suffered while playing football entitles him to stay behind bars under a new California law. gives. Brent Schrotenbauer of USA TODAY,
Winslow reportedly sent a handwritten habeas corpus petition in November from a state prison in Tehachapi, California, and is representing himself without an attorney.
the former cleveland browns first round draft pick and pro bowler Received his 14 year sentence in March 2021 Under a plea deal, Winslow pleaded guilty to forcible rape, rape of an unconscious person, assault with intent to commit rape, indecent exposure and lewd conduct in public. He was basically facing life in prison.
Why Kellen Winslow Jr. thinks he should get out of prison early
The petition reportedly argues that Winslow's trauma from football played a role in the crimes that landed him in prison and currently make him ineligible for parole until July 2028:
“Petitioner argues that he suffered physical trauma as a result of mild traumatic brain (sic) disorder as well as possible CTE. And that trauma was a contributing factor in the commission of the crime,” Winslow said of head trauma in football. The associated disease was handwritten referring to chronic traumatic encephalopathy. “The petitioner now seeks remand on the ground of AB 124. The petitioner contends that since physical trauma contributed to the offences…the court is required to impose a lower term (in consideration of sentence).”
Bill Winslow mentions, Assembly Bill 124Was signed into law in 2021 by California Gov. Per USA Today, the bill was intended to help criminal defendants who have previously experienced “psychological, physical, or childhood trauma, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, or sexual violence,” with plea bargaining, sentencing, or sentencing. Such issues need to be considered during
Winslow's attorneys reportedly made a similar argument during his sentencing, claiming he had potentially suffered more than 1,000 head injuries during his football career, as well as head trauma from a 2005 motorcycle accident . He still received a sentence of 14 years.
The San Diego County District Attorney's Office reportedly said it has not yet received Winslow's plea deal, but will consider it whenever it arrives:
“We have not received a jail bond for Mr. Winslow,” said Tanya Sierra, a spokeswoman for the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. “Once it is received, we will evaluate it for next steps. We are confident that Winslow received a fair trial and conviction in this serious sexual assault case. We will review everything, but in our view the most There will be justice for the victims ahead.
In an earlier petition, Winslow reportedly asked the court to waive the prohibition against leaving California during his parole period, as he wanted to move to Florida, where he attended college in Miami, to begin a coaching career. It was
How Kellen Winslow Jr. Got 14 Years In Prison
The 14-year sentence was the result of a lengthy legal battle after Winslow was charged with multiple rapes and sex crimes against five women in Southern California. it was Originally convicted of raping a 58-year-old homeless woman in San Diego in 2019But the jury was deadlocked on six additional felonies.
winslow later convicted rape of an unconscious 17-year-old woman in 2003 and sexual battery of a 54-year-old hitchhiker in 2018 and later modified the plea deal In a way that fixed his maximum sentence of 14 years, which he received.
