Photo Credit: Leon County Jail
FSU has had their fair share of controversy especially with Jameis Winston last year along with their new quarterback, De’Andre Johnson who was eventually dismissed. Unfortunately, it looks like the same situation is happening with RB Dalvin Cook.
Similar to the situation Johnson was in, Cook was charged with misdemeanor battery. Cook allegedly hit a woman in the face multiple times outside of a Tallahassee bar. The victim has talked to EPSN, sharing some details from the evening in which she claims that a man came up to her, asking for her phone number which she refused to give him. The unidentified accomplice and Cook confronted her and her friends in the parking lot, resulting in a heated discussion and then Cook allegedly started to punch her repeatedly. Court records allegedly show that Cook came over to the woman initially in an attempt to calm the situation down. Punches were only thrown after Cook’s teammate Travis Rudolph was pushed by the woman.
This is not Cook’s first brush with the police either. He has been involved in at least two other incidents, one resulting in a criminal mischief charge and the other, resulting in Cook being named “associate” in an assault case. As of right now, Cook has been indefinitely suspended from FSU, exactly the same punishment handed down to Johnson.
Cook looked to be a promising part of the FSU offensive line this year. With 1,008 rushing yards last year and 8 touchdowns, it looked like the 2015 school year would be Cook’s time. Cook’s arraignment has moved from July 30th to September 2nd which is 3 days before FSU’s home opener. However, he has not been practicing with the team.
Presently, Cook has not released a statement, but head coach Jimbo Fisher has released a statement about Cook.
“Recent events at Florida State University involving members of my football team have brought a lot of attention to the school and program. It is important to me that our fans and the public be aware that I do not tolerate the type of behavior that was captured on video and that was most recently alleged.
We spend a good deal of time educating our student-athletes about appropriate behavior and their responsibilities as representatives of Florida State. The majority of our players are exemplary, but clearly we must place an even stronger emphasis on this, and I personally promise we will.
I remain committed to educating our young men and holding them accountable for their actions. Florida State is a great university. Our fans and supporters deserve better than to hear of actions that are not consistent with the school’s proud history and national stature. We will do better. I will not tolerate anything less.”
Fisher has banned his players from going to bars after this incident. FSU News has posted Fisher’s statement (above) along with FSU president, John Thrasher’s statement about Cook. Both statements can be seen here.
