The late-breaking news surrounding Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook Tuesday evening just took another turn.
Mere minutes after Cook alleged that an aquintence of his committed domestic violence during an incident more than a year ago, her side has come out to file a civil complaint against the Pro Bowl running back — claiming she was the victim of domestic violence.
“A former girlfriend of Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook alleged Tuesday he physically abused her, causing a concussion and holding her hostage in his Inver Grove Heights home a year ago, according to a Dakota County District Court lawsuit,” Rochelle Olson and Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reported.
The suit, filed by a 29-year-old woman by the name of Gracelyn Trimble, claims battary and false imprisonment on the part of the former Florida State star.
“She is seeking unspecified monetary damages and, she says, accountability. The lawsuit was sent to Cook late Tuesday. Before it was filed, Trimble and her lawyer, Daniel Cragg, held settlement discussions with Cook and his attorney, David Valentini, but no agreement was reached,” the report read.
As for Dalvin Cook and his representation, they are telling a completely different story in regards to the incident in question.
“While Mr. Cook and Sgt. Trimble had a short term relationship over several months, she became emotionally abusive, physically aggressive and confrontational, and repeatedly attempted to provoke Mr. Cook,” the running back’s attorney, David Valentini said in a statement.
Valentini also claims that Trimble broke into Cook’s house, assaulted him and two houseguests and is now trying to “extory him for millions.”
Initially, allegations from Cook’s camp concluded that she used a stolen garage door opener to enter Cook’s home and attack a guest as well as Cook, macing the running back in the process. The alleged incident took place back in November of 2020.
NFL and Minnesota Vikings release statement regarding Dalvin Cook allegations
In what have to be considered coordinated responses, both the league and the Vikings released company-line statements late Tuesday evening.
“We received notification from Dalvin Cook’s legal representative regarding a situation that occurred between Dalvin and a female acquaintance in November 2020 and led to an ongoing dispute between the parties,” the Vikings wrote. “Upon learning of this, we immediately notified the NFL. We are in the process of gathering more information and will withhold further comment at this time.”
As for the NFL, it had very little to say about the allegations from the two sides.
“The Vikings notified the league of the matter,” the NFL said. “We will decline further comment at this time.”
This is obviously a late-breaking story with a ton of different backstories. There’s no reason to jump to a conclusion one way or another.
What we do know is that it adds another layer to an NFL season that’s often been filled with more news-worthy off-field stories than what we’re seeing on the field.
As has been the case with all of these stories, we’ll have further updates when they become available.
As for Cook, there’s no telling how this might impact his availability moving forward. The former second-round pick from Florida State is among the best all-around backs in the entire NFL. He’s gained 639 total yards and two touchdowns in six games this season. Over the course of the previous three seasons, the 26-year-old Florida native averaged nearly 1,500 total yards and 11 touchdowns.