The mention of integrity in the criteria for winning the Heisman Trophy means more to some than others.
But nobody can say it doesn't mean much to Herschel Walker.
The former Georgia star and Heisman winner said Thursday that integrity issues prevented him from voting for last year's winner, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, adding that for the same reason, Winston couldn't get Walker's vote this year, either.
"Before he won the award, there was an accusation of sexual assault. Well, forgive me for saying this, but I didn't vote for him. I didn't vote for him because -- it had nothing to do with him on the field -- when I won the Heisman, I'd hope it stood for more than just me playing football," Walker told The Paul Finebaum Show. "I hope it stood for me as a person, how I did in school, and me being an athlete. Being an athlete is more than just playing the game. Being an athlete is doing a lot more. I didn't vote for Jameis because of that. And I may have been wrong for that. But in my opinion, the Heisman Trophy is supposed to mean integrity. At that time, there was not integrity, because of the situation that happened at that time. Today, until his act is cleaned up, I can't give him my vote. I'll say it right now, I can't give him my vote."
Winston, of course, didn't end up needing the vote of Walker, who didn't mention who topped his ballot. Alabama's AJ McCarron was a distant runner-up, followed by Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch and Boston College running back Andre Williams. Winston won the honor in a runaway as a redshirt freshman, just weeks before he led the Seminoles to a national championship win over Auburn.
It's been another tumultuous week for Winston, who added a school investigation into whether he profited from autograph signings to the student disciplinary hearing he faces regarding the sexual assault complaint, for which he was legally cleared. On Wednesday, another former Heisman winner, Bo Jackson, took aim at Winston, as well. Now, it's Walker -- and lest he be cast as hypocritical, Walker also said he couldn't give his current Heisman vote to the star of the Bulldogs' backfield, Todd Gurley, either.
"Same situation with Todd Gurley. Right at this moment today, I can't give him my vote," Walker added. "If he comes back and I see a change, then my vote can be there. But at this given time today, I can't give him my vote."
Gurley is indefinitely suspended while the University of Georgia investigates whether he profited from autograph signings.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
