No change to Cook’s status as Vikes RB faces assault lawsuit

EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, facing a personal injury lawsuit from a former girlfriend for allegedly assaulting her during an altercation at his home last year, maintained Wednesday he was the victim in the fight. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the matter will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy, but Cook will continue to practice and play with the team. Cook’s attorney, David Valentini, said Tuesday, after the lawsuit was first reported by the Star Tribune, his client had the legal right to defend himself because the woman entered Cook’s home with a stolen garage door opener, punched him and sprayed mace in his face without provocation. I try to walk that straight line, but bumps and bruises come through life and it’s how you handle it,” Cook said. I’ve got my head in it trying to get ready for a game plan for the Chargers and just letting the outside things handle the outside things,” Cook said.