FSU Football: Writer Questions Dalvin Cook's Character

Nov 26, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) shares a moment with running back Dalvin Cook (4) before the game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

FSU football star running back Dalvin Cook is being questioned by a writer regarding his character off the field.

FSU football running back Dalvin Cook is preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft after another prolific season in Tallahassee.

Cook is projected to be a first round draft pick based on his physical attributes. However, one writer believes teams should weary of Cook based on some off the field incidents Cook was involved in back in 2014.

Check out Matt Miller tweeting about Cook below:

I think Miller is reaching quite a bit here. I’m sure the NFL teams interested in Cook will do their due diligence, but let’s take a look at the incidents Miller is talking about.

Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

BB Gun Incident

Dalvin Cook was involved in an alleged incident involving BB-guns in 2014.

Thoughts

How many teenagers did you know growing up did something dumb like this but just wasn’t caught? Not to mention he completed the intervention given.

Oct 10, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) scores his third touchdown, in the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Hurricanes at Doak Campbell Stadium. The Florida State Seminoles won 29-24. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Animal Cruelty

In 2015 Dalvin Cook was cited for animal cruelty.

Thoughts

I’m not going to question the officer’s description, but it would have been great to have some pictures for support.

Where I grew up it was not uncommon for young teenagers to have a litter of puppies in this manner. I honestly think Cook did not view this as animal cruelty, but was the norm in the environment where he grew up.

It doesn’t excuse the situation at all, but it does add context.

Nov 14, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) celebrates a touchdown during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Assault

In 2014 Cook was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery. Here’s a synopsis of what happened from ESPN:

Thoughts

That story doesn’t add up. Cook was acquitted after the jury took 25 minutes to reach their verdict. It was determined Cook was trying to de-escalate the situation and didn’t punch anyone.

Dec 6, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; ACC commissioner John Swofford shakes hands with MVP Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) after defeating the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bank of America Stadium. FSU defeated Georgia Tech 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Final Thoughts

I don’t have a problem with teams doing their due diligence on players because there are millions of dollars on the line when it comes to first round draft picks.

However, I do have a problem with Matt Miller not providing context to Cook. If he’s going to question his character, maybe he should also mention the countless hours Cook has spent doing things like visiting Children’s Hospitals:

Some folk may say that’s just Cook trying to get positive publicity prior to the upcoming draft. However, he was doing these type things all the way back in 2015.

What about speaking to these group of kids?

Not to mention Cook has not had any off the field issues the last couple of years. So, if someone is going to tell a story, makes sure they’re telling the entire story.