Dalvin Cook expects to play for Vikings despite domestic abuse allegations

Vikings running back Dalvin Cook told reporters on Wednesday he expects to play on Sunday despite recent allegations of assault, battery and false imprisonment by his ex-girlfriend.

The team made the NFL aware of the lawsuit, filed Tuesday by Gracelyn Trimble — a sergeant in the U.S. Army — in Dakota County District Court (Minn.).

“The matter will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ProFootballTalk, adding that the league “will continue to monitor developments but there’s no change to his status as this is a civil complaint.”

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said Cook would practice Wednesday. He did not have an update on the Pro Bowler’s status for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

There have been no criminal charges filed against Cook stemming from the incident at his home in November 2020 — meaning he’s not under consideration to be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list.

At the time of the altercation, police were never called and no charges were filed. The pair was unable to settle the matter, which led to Trimble’s filing.

Cook has denied the allegations through his attorney, David Valentini, in a statement on Tuesday. Valentini also said Trimble is attempting to extort his client.

According to Valentini’s statement, Trimble held Cook and his houseguests “at gunpoint, to remain in his residence for the next several hours.”

Cook’s agent, Zac Hiller, said his client is the victim of domestic abuse and extortion. A litigation is reportedly pending regarding the allegations.

Trimble, who spoke with the Star Tribune, is asking for unspecified monetary damages and “accountability.” She provided photos to the outlet which showed her bloodied face that she claims was a result of the incident.

Trimble also shared a screen-grab of an alleged text message exchange with Cook, in which she writes, “Dalvin My face is so messed up I probably won’t even get to go see my family for thanksgiving.”

Cook allegedly replied, “And I’m sorry for that! But the situation just got out of hand from the jump.”

The Vikings released the following statement on Tuesday:

“We recently 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. 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.”

If nothing changes in Cook’s case, he should play Sunday, when the Vikings visit the Chargers.