Even considering Bobby Bowden's legendary status at Florida State, it wasn't a surprise that his comments claiming Jameis Winston was considered "an embarrassment" at FSU didn't go over well among the Seminoles faithful.
But it might be a surprise that they haven't even gone over well with one of Bowden's ex-players. Former Florida State star defensive back Myron Rolle told the Associated Press Tuesday that while he didn't believe Bowden meant Winston any ill will, he did firmly disagree with his former coach's remarks.
"I didn't agree that Jameis was an embarrassment to FSU," Rolle said. "Anybody who meets him one-on-one, they'll realize just how good of a young man this is. How solid he is ...
"I know coach, he loves FSU. I know his heart's in the right place. It's unfortunate how it played out, but I know Jameis will do well and I'm sure he doesn't have any hard feelings toward coach, either."
Rolle added that the negative perception of Winston -- who Rolle has known since Winston's days as a high school star in Hueytown, Alabama -- is "not who he is," and that Bowden may have been overly responsive to that perception.
Rolle's opinion is one that may carry more weight than that of your typical ex-Seminole. After his All-American career at Florida State, Rolle attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar before a three-year NFL career. He retired from football to attend medical school and is currently enrolled in FSU's College of Medicine.
