Vikings Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook maintains innocence amid assault allegations

The NFL community was surprised to learn Tuesday night that Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been sued by a former girlfriend who alleges he assaulted her. 

Per ESPN and The Associated Press, Cook publicly addressed those accusations Wednesday and echoed a statement previously released by his attorney that says the ball-carrier was the one who was assaulted during an incident that reportedly occurred in November 2020. 

"I'm the victim in this situation. The truth and the details about the situation will come out at a further time," Cook said during comments. 

"I got my head up high knowing that the truth will come out. I hate being a distraction to the team, but I know those guys have my back 1,000% and just going to take this thing day by day and I know my team's here for me and I'm here for them." 

Cook added his attorney and agent will handle future questions on the subject. 

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted that Cook could ultimately find himself in hot water with the league office, but NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the two-time Pro Bowl selection can remain active ahead of Sunday's game at the Los Angeles Chargers. 

"We will continue to monitor developments, but there's no change to his status as this is a civil complaint," McCarthy explained about Cook.

This is similar to how the league has treated Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson, who isn't playing this fall following his offseason trade request but technically is eligible even though he's facing 22 lawsuits alleging acts of sexual assault and misconduct and 10 criminal complaints. Watson has not yet been indicted on criminal charges.