Florida State running back Dalvin Cook was arrested on Friday and charged with misdemeanor battery after a woman claims he punched her in the face outside a bar. Those who have followed the 19-year-old’s career in Tallahassee know that was just the latest incident in a string of legal issues over the past year.
As Andy Staples of Sports Illustrated notes, Cook was charged with criminal mischief last June after a BB gun fight that broke some car windows. Roughly one month later, Cook was cited for mistreating animals.
According to a report attached to the citations, Cook had three pit bull puppies—the officer estimated one to be eight months old and two to be two months old—chained together. “The dogs were tethered directly around the neck by a heavy chain,” animal control officer Sheree Mifflin wrote. “The dogs were unable to move and the smaller puppies were choking.” Mifflin wrote that Cook could not provide any identification, so she called a Tallahassee police officer to identify Cook. Cook was fined $275 for chaining the dogs in that manner and $275 for failing to provide shelter. According to Leon County’s official records site, the cases for both citations remain open.
Florida State quarterback De’Andre Johnson was kicked off the team last week after a video showed him punching a woman at a bar. Cook has been suspended indefinitely, but it’s unclear if he’ll lose his spot on the Seminoles roster. And if you think that has nothing to do with the fact that he rushed for over 1,000 yards last year and is Florida State’s best back, you’re incredibly naive. The decision will take longer because of that.
Jimbo Fisher has reportedly banned his players from going to bars, but Cook’s growing police record proves players can find trouble anywhere.
H/T Dr. Saturday
Photo: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
