The attorney of expected number one draft pick Jameis Winston has branded a lawsuit filed against him as "a stunt".

Winston's accuser, Erica Kinsman, filed a civil lawsuit relating to a sexual encounter in December 2012 against the former Florida State quarterback on Thursday. 

In the lawsuit Winston is alleged to have committed sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and "intentional infliction of emotional distress arising out of forcible rape".

Kinsman had previously accused Winston of rape but no charges were filed against the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner after the matter was investigated by a state attorney.

Responding to the lawsuit, Winston's attorney David Cornwell said in a statement: "This stunt was expected. Ms. Kinsman's false accusations have already been exposed and rejected six times.

"This time will be no different. Mr Winston welcomes the opportunity to clear his name with the truth.

"Mr Winston is looking forward to the upcoming draft. He will not permit this ploy to distract him as he begins the journey of fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a championship quarterback in the National Football League."

Kinsman also has filed a Title IX lawsuit against Florida State that remains pending; the school has argued it should be dismissed.

Winston - who also found not to have violated Florida State's code of conduct following an investigation by the university - is widely expected to selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the first overall pick in the NFL draft later this month.