FSU suspends RB Cook after battery charge

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Just four days after backup quarterback De'Andre Johnson was dismissed from the Florida State football team for punching a female student during a bar fight, running back Dalvin Cook now has been suspended indefinitely following a similar allegation.

According to a report by ESPN's Mark Schlabach, state attorney Willie Meggs decided on Friday to charge Cook with misdemeanor battery after speaking with the victim, a 21-year-old Tallahassee resident, and her friend. The victim reportedly picked Cook out of a photo lineup on July 1.

The incident reportedly took place on June 23, one day before Johnson's fight, which led to his dismissal from the team. The victim told ESPN that Cook punched her several times in the face, and that she had a split lip and a sore nose the next day.

FSU announced late Friday afternoon that Cook had been suspended indefinitely. Later Friday, head coach Jimbo Fisher and president John Thrasher released statements about the recent arrests of Cook and Johnson.

STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT JOHN THRASHER

I am extremely disappointed to learn of this allegation against Dalvin Cook. I fully support the immediate and indefinite suspension of Cook from the football team while we look into this matter further and due process runs its course.

It is especially disheartening to learn of this case just days after Coach Fisher dismissed quarterback De'Andre Johnson from the team for his role in a physical altercation that occurred in an off-campus bar.

As I have previously said, I have no tolerance for the type of behavior alleged in these cases. We expect all of our students, especially our student-athletes who represent this university in the public spotlight, to adhere to the highest standards.

I have asked Coach Fisher and Athletics Director Stan Wilcox to develop a plan to help our student-athletes understand the consequences of these kinds of actions. This will include Coach Fisher meeting immediately with his team to reiterate, in no uncertain terms, our expectations of them. I also plan to meet with the team, and we will be asking professionals who deal with these matters, including State Attorney Willie Meggs, to speak with them.

The vast majority of our student-athletes are good students and positive role models who contribute to their university and their communities. It is unfortunate that the actions of a very few individuals are causing embarrassment to their teammates and this university.

Coach Fisher, Athletics Director Wilcox and I are committed to ensuring our student-athletes uphold this university's values, and we will continue to work together toward that goal.

STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA STATE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH JIMBO FISHER

Recent events at Florida State University involving members of my football team have brought a lot of attention to the school and program. It is important to me that our fans and the 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.