Kellen Winslow Jr., serving a 14-years prison sentence after being convicted of raping five women in California, has cited a new state law in conjunction with alleged trauma incurred during his football career in a plea for a reduced sentence.
In 2021, California governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 124 into law, which aims to help criminal defendants who experienced “psychological, physical, or childhood trauma, including, but not limited to, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or sexual violence.”
The initiative seeks to reduce prison sentences both through plea bargaining as well as re-sentencing.
According to USA Today, Winslow petitioned the San Diego Court that he should be subject to the reforms because of alleged CTE he suffered playing football.
“Petitioner contends he suffered physical trauma as a result from mild traumatic brian (sic) disorder, as well as potentially CTE. and this trauma was a contributing factor in the commission of the offense,” Winslow said in a handwritten letter. “Petitioner now seeks a remand for resentencing based on AB 124. Petitioner argues because physical trauma contributed to the offenses … the court is required to impose the lower term (of the sentencing considerations).”
Winslow was sentenced in 2021 after he was convicted of raping five women in California between 2013 and 2018, including one who was homeless and one who was unconscious. He is not eligible for parole until 2028.
The son of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Kellen Winslow, Winslow II starred at Miami before playing in the NFL for the Browns, Buccaneers, Patriots and Jets between 2004 and 2013.
