Aug 26, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell looks on before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
According to some in the NFL, “chatter” about a possible ban has made teams reluctant to sign free-agent running back Dalvin Cook.
A now-sealed court document revealed that Cook’s representatives offered Cook’s ex-girlfriend, Gracelyn Trimble, $1 million in exchange for sending a letter to the NFL clearing him of “any wrongdoing” regarding allegations of domestic violence against him, according to Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis Star Tribune (via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio).
Cook sued Trimble for defamation after refuting the accusations.
Prior to the offer being revised to $1 million, Trimble allegedly received an original offer of $800,000. According to Olson, Trimble’s legal team intends to utilise Cook in a lawsuit by citing the settlement proposals as evidence of Cook’s “awareness of guilt.”
Though Florio pointed out that Cook’s attorneys’ request for Trimble to write a letter of exoneration to the NFL implies they are at least somewhat concerned about a suspension under the personal conduct policy, settlement offers are normally not admissible in court.
The Florida State player selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times in as many seasons, and he has averaged at least 1,100 yards of rushing each time.
With 1,557 running yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, and 5.0 yards per carry in 2020, Cook had a career year.
He was also very good the previous season, catching 39 catches for 295 yards and two touchdowns and running for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns.
