Suspended Florida State running back Dalvin Cook is headed to trial on Monday, Aug. 24, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The Seminoles’ standout sophomore is accused of assaulting a woman outside a Tallahassee bar on June 23 and during a hearing Wednesday, Leon County (Fla.) judge Augustus D. Aikens Jr. moved the trial date up to Aug. 24 after Cook’s attorneys filed a motion for a speedy trial last week. Jury selection for the trial will begin Friday, Aug. 21.
Cook previously had a “pre-trial case management hearing” scheduled for Sept. 2, three days before Florida State opens its season at home against Texas State on Sept. 5.
From the Sentinel:
Sarah Dugan, the assistant state attorney working on the case, was out of the country and Cook's attorney was out of town, but the state attorney's office sent another representative and Cook's attorney, Joey McCall, appeared via speakerphone Wednesday morning. Both sides agreed they were immediately ready to proceed to trial and the judge indicated the week of Aug. 24 was the earliest he was available.
Jeremy Mutz, who was filling in for Dugan while she was out of the country, originally stated that the week of Aug. 31 would work best for the state but added that he believed the state could file subpoenas and be prepared for the week of Aug. 24.
Cook, who denies the accusations, has been suspended indefinitely from the football team while the legal process plays out. Cook participated in FSU’s photo day on Sunday, but two team photos were taken – one with Cook and one without him.
Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher told reporters that Cook’s status with the team has not changed.
As a true freshman in 2014, Cook rushed for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns.
For more Florida State news, visit Warchant.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
