The surest of signs that Florida State doesn't yet know whether suspended star running back Dalvin Cook will be reinstated to the team came Sunday, when the 2015 FSU team photo was taken twice -- once with Cook, and once without him.
A photo tweeted by Orlando Sentinel beat writer Brendan Sonnone shows Cook, a sophomore from Miami, exiting the bleachers so that the team photo could be taken without him:
The Sentinel reported that when FSU coach Jimbo Fisher was asked Sunday about what he needs to know before making a final decision on Cook's status, Fisher said "The exact facts of the case ... and the truth."
Cook was suspended indefinitely in July after he was charged with misdemeanor battery. He has been accused of punching a woman in the face several times outside a bar in Tallahassee, Fla., on June 23. State attorney Willie Meggs said he met with the alleged victim and a female witness on July 10, saying "I found the women to be very credible," on the day charges were brought. On July 14, Cook's attorney Ricky Patel said his client did not strike the alleged victim and was not interested in a plea agreement.
"We are not interested in a plea," Patel said. "It's just not right here. It must be dropped or he must be found not guilty. If necessary, we will file civil charges after these false allegations."
Cook rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman last season and was expected to lead the Seminoles' offense, which is transitioning to a new quarterback with the loss of No. 1 overall NFL draft pick Jameis Winston.
Cook's arraignment date is not until Sept. 2, and there is no indication of when the case will be resolved, hence FSU's indecision as to whether he should be part of the official team photo.
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