NFL: The 2023 off-season has been eventful, to say the least. We have seen major trades, shocking free-agent signings, and star players cut from their current teams. As the season gets closer those premier free agents will start looking for a new sooner rather than later. However, one top free agent is facing a possible suspension that could impact his 2023 season.
Free Agent Running Back Dalvin Cook Facing Suspension From The NFL
Talk of a potential suspension for free-agent running back Dalvin Cook have surfaced in league circles, according to Mike Florio of NBC’s ProFootballTalk. On Thursday, Florio wrote:
“Throughout his free agency, there has been chatter in league circles regarding hesitation arising from the possibility of a suspension.”
The speculations come in the wake of news regarding a settlement offer made by Cook for his 2021 Domestic Violence case. However, it goes deeper than just the Domestic Violence case. There is a lawsuit looming involving Cook’s ex-girlfriend, and it is nasty business. She alleges that not only did he assault her and caused severe injuries, but he also offered her $1 million in “hush money.” Cook, meanwhile, is counter-suing.
What Exactly Happened With Dalvin Cook?
In November 2021, Gracelyn Trimble, Cook’s former girlfriend, filed the lawsuit accusing Cook of domestic abuse. Per the suit, Cook allegedly left Trimble with “a concussion, leaving a scar on my face and taking me through hell.” Trimble said she deployed Mace on Cook before locating a gun and calling for help, at which point Cook attacked her with a broomstick.
Cook, meanwhile, has denied the allegations, instead indicating that Trimble used a stolen garage door opener to enter his house and attack him and a guest. Cook’s lawyer said Trimble has attempted to use the incident to extort money, and Cook subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit.
In July 2023, the Star Tribune reported on a sealed filing from Trimble’s attorney. The filing revealed Cook initially offered Trimble $800,000 “to sign a sworn affidavit denying abuse claims.” However, as the Tribune notes, Trimble has already testified under oath regarding her abuse claims.
After Trimble’s attorney said she would refuse to sign a “fraudulent document,” Cook’s team increased his offer to $1 million. This offer included a mandate that Trimble send a letter to the NFL “relieving Mr. Cook of all wrongdoing.” Trimble has rejected both offers.
What Teams Are Still Interested In Dalvin Cook? (NFL)
According to Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna, the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Miami Dolphins are the 3 frontrunners to land Cook this offseason. It isn’t clear how much money he is looking for from whatever team ends up signing him or how long of a contract.
He has reportedly already received an offer from the Dolphins, but hasn’t signed with them yet. There haven’t been details of that contract revealed, but football fans have seen what the running back market has looked like this offseason, so it may not have been for any longer than the 2023 season or all that lucrative for the Pro Bowl running back. The Vikings reportedly offered Cook around $7 million annually after releasing him.
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