Retired Supreme Court Judge named as Independant observer in Winston hearing

Major Harding was a judge in Florida's highest court, and now he'll formally observe the biggest hearing in Florida's college sports history.

Harding, 79, has been officially selected as the independent observer for Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston's student conduct code hearing, according to Andy Alcock of WCTV.

Harding served as a Florida Supreme Court justice from 1991 to 2000 and is currently a practicing attorney at the firm of Ausley McMullen.

He'll oversee Winston's hearing where the Florida State quarterback is alleged to have broken up to four student conduct codes during his much-publicized sexual assault accusation.

Winston doesn't yet face any criminal charges in the case, a decision made by State Attorney Willie Meggs, who deemed there was a lack of evidence needed for prosecution.

Harding was selected among three prospective judges, the other possible choices being Joseph Hatchett and Charlie T. Wells, both retired Florida Supreme Court justices.

Winston and the accuser were each allowed to strike one of the judges from consideration; Winston selected Wells, while the accuser chose Hatchett.

The date of the hearing is not yet known.

The university is also facing a Title IX investigation regarding the case.