Florida State RB Dalvin Cook remains suspended with case still pending

Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said Tuesday that standout running back Dalvin Cook remains suspended, but his long-term status will not be determined until the misdemeanor battery charge against him “plays itself out.”

Cook, a former Miami Central High star, was charged last week after he allegedly punched a 21-year-old woman in the face several times following an argument outside a Tallahassee bar around 2 a.m. on June 23.

The incident involving Cook, 19, comes less than a week after former FSU quarterback De’Andre Johnson was dismissed from the team after he punched a woman at a different bar near the Florida State campus on June 24.

There was video evidence in Johnson’s case, but not in Cook’s.

At least six FSU players have been charged with violence against women during Fisher’s tenure, but there have been few convictions.

“There’s no tolerance for hitting women,” Fisher said, adding he was “disappointed” by the recent off-field incidents but declined to comment on allegations against Cook.

“Just like it is anywhere else in the country, you as the head coach take responsibility, and you continue to educate.”

Fisher said the team devotes at least 40 days to off-field personal development, but more will be added. He also confirmed that he has banned his players from clubs and bars.

“I don’t think what’s happened at Florida State is relative to just Florida State,” Fisher said. “We get more attention because of the success of our program and we accept that. … You’re judged on what you do, and we’ve had a couple instances like other people have had, too.

“It’s not a Florida State problem or athletic problem. It’s a problem all across our country. There are always issues in the country that are hot spots at the time that get the news. And we don’t tolerate [violence against women] and don’t accept it.”

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 9:07 PM with the headline "Florida State RB Dalvin Cook remains suspended with case still pending."