For today’s Back Story, sports columnist Bryce Miller explains the background of his piece about former NFL player Kellen Winslow II, who will stand trial on six felony kidnapping and sexual-assault charges, as well as one misdemeanor count of indecent exposure and two misdemeanor counts of tresing.
Q: You mention in the story that the case is being followed nationally, from TMZ to USA Today. Why so much interest?
A: First of all, any former NFL player facing felony charges draws attention. What elevates the buzz surrounding this case, though, is the Winslow name itself. Being the son of Kellen Winslow, a Hall of Famer and one of the best at his position in the history of the game, ramps up interest even more. Rightly or wrongly, I think people gravitate toward those “family that has it all” types of stories.
In addition to the severity of the charges, there’s also the curious thread of the victims ranging from 54 to 86. Mix in the younger Winslow’s past brushes with controversy and the case is compelling on multiple levels.
Q: What’s been the reaction of the elder Winslow, Kellen’s father?
A: He’s declined comment, including a request I made in the hallway outside of the courtroom during a preliminary hearing last month. Kellen Sr. is divorced from his son’s mother, Katrina Ramsey, who politely declined comment other than saying, “I just want what’s best for my son.”
Q: Was it difficult to get people to talk about Winslow?
A: Very. The Detroit Lions declined to make QB coach George Godsey available. He coached tight ends when Winslow played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A text message to former Cleveland Browns coach Rob Chudzinski, who coached Winslow in college at Miami and during his early days with the Browns, wasn’t returned. The Chargers agreed to make running backs coach Alfredo Roberts available, until they found out the subject. Roberts coached Winslow briefly with the New England Patriots.
Messages to Winslow’s former agent Drew Rosenhaus were not returned. John King, Winslow’s basketball coach at Scripps Ranch High, said he would not comment because of his close relationship with the family.
I also tried to reach former Washington Huskies coach Rick Neuheisel, who recruited Winslow heavily out of high school. Winslow planned to sign with Washington, but his father refused to sign the letter of intent. Neuheisel, through a representative at his old employer CBS Sports, declined to talk.
There were others. It wasn’t totally surprising, though, given the sensitive nature of the story.
Q: Why did you choose to lead the story with the scene about the adoption hearing in the same courtroom where Winslow faced accs?
A: I thought it was striking that the scene in one moment could be so happy and hopeful and, in just minutes, turn so cold and dark. The contrast, for those in the hallway outside of the courtroom, was jarring.
Q: You attended Winslow’s two-day preliminary hearing last month. What was the most stirring moment?
A: Without a doubt, it was when a rape victim identified as Jane Doe 2 sparred with high-profile defense attorney Harvey Steinberg. He’s represented a long list of sports stars and executives.
Just seeing and hearing the ion in her voice brought the room to rapt attention. At one point, she challenged Steinberg, saying, “What does that have to do with rape, sir? What does that have to do with rape? I’m the victim.” Later, she visibly shook while saying: “Saying yes to coffee isn’t saying yes to rape.”
When Deputy District Attorney Dan Owens asked the woman if she could point out her attacker in the courtroom, the defense team objected because of a procedural rule. She clearly wanted to answer the question, but Superior Court Judge Harry Elias didn’t allow it. She said: “Wow … that’s why I don’t like court.”
Q: What’s next for Winslow?
A: Right now, attorneys are scheduled to meet for a status conference Monday at the North County Division of San Diego Superior Court in Vista. Then, he’ll appear Aug. 17 for a preliminary hearing for a new charge of raping an unconscious, 17-year-old girl in 2003.
[email protected]; Twitter: @sdutposner
