by Megan Hustwaite · November 23, 2021
Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook is facing a lawsuit from a former girlfriend for alleged assault, battery and false imprisonment after an altercation at his home, the Star Tribune reported on Tuesday. However, the running back is accusing the woman of instead assaulting and extorting him.
Cook's attorney, David Valentini, said the woman unlawfully entered Cook's home, assaulted him and has been trying to settle her claim for "millions of dollars."
According to the Star Tribune, the lawsuit alleges that the woman traveled to Cook's home near Vikings headquarters to end their relationship in November 2020. She said Cook was angered by her request that he help her gather her belongings. She said Cook then "grabbed her arm, and slung her whole body over the couch, slamming her face into the coffee table and causing her lower forehead and the bridge of her nose to bust open."
The lawsuit includes as evidence messages sent from Cook to the woman after the fight apologizing for his actions. She said she suffered a concussion, deep cuts to her face and other bruising.
Valentini said Minnesota law gave Cook the legal right to defend himself in his home. He said the woman entered Cook's home with a stolen garage door opener, punched him and sprayed mace in his face without provocation. The woman also sprayed mace on two guests of Cook's, Valentini said, and forced three of them at gunpoint to remain in his home for "several hours."
The injuries to the woman's face, Valentini said, occurred when Cook tried to stop his ex-girlfriend from assaulting one of his female guests. Valentini said the woman had also previously caused damage to Cook's property.
"We are confident a full disclosure of the facts will show Mr Cook did nothing wrong," Valentini said.
The Vikings said late on Tuesday they were recently notified by Valentini about the situation.
"Upon learning of this, we immediately notified the NFL," the team said in its statement. "We are in the process of gathering more information and will withhold further comment at this time."
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