Dalvin Cook accused of punching women, suspended from FSU football team

Author: Associated Press
Published: Updated:
MGN

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida State indefinitely suspended leading running back Dalvin Cook after he was charged Friday with punching a woman outside a downtown bar.

The incident happened June 23 after the popular bar closed at 2 a.m. State Attorney Willie Meggs interviewed the alleged victim and Cook before issuing the arrest warrant on a misdemeanor battery charge. Police are giving Cook the option of turning himself in.

“He’s accused of punching the young woman in the face,” said Assistant State Attorney Georgia Cappleman.

Cook led Florida State last year with 1,008 rushing yards as a freshman. He was also second on the team with eight touchdowns.

It’s the second time in two weeks that an FSU player has been charged with punching a woman. Freshman quarterback De’Andre Johnson was caught on a surveillance video punching a woman at another bar near campus. He was kicked off the team.

Johnson, however, had yet to play a game for Florida State, while Cook is expected to be a key to the team’s offense this year.

Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher released a statement on Friday:
“Recent events at Florida State University involving members of my football team have brought a lot of attention to the school and program,” said Fisher. “It is important to me that our fans and 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.”

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