Attorneys for Florida State running back Dalvin Cook have filed a demand for a speedy trial, according the Rivals.com site Warchant.com.
Cook was charged with misdemeanor battery in July for allegedly punching a woman outside of a Tallahassee nightclub. He’s been suspended from team activities pending the outcome of the legal process.
The petition for a speedy trial could put Cook on the field before the season begins. Cook’s first arraignment was scheduled for Sept. 2, but under Florida Rule 3.191 (b), the trial could be set 5 to 45 days from the filing.
Lawyer Ricky K. Patel told Tomahawk Nation on Monday that the decision to request a speedy trial was a result of a new witness coming forward.
"An independent witness came forward after the release of the 911 call and directly refuted some details of the call and claims of another witness," Patel told the site.
Patel told the site that the witness claimed to be present during the entire altercation and that Cook did not strike the alleged victim. The witness claims a woman struck receiver Travis Rudolph and that was the only altercation that took place.
Warchant.com cites an athletic department source as saying if Cook’s case is resolved quickly, he could be back on the field by the beginning of next month. However, the team did take two team pictures this past weekend, one with Cook in and one with him out just in case.
Cook rushed for a freshman school record 1,008 yards last season.
For more Florida State news, visit Warchant.com.
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