That’s certainly one way to deal with an uncertain situation.
Because of an off-field situation that involved him allegedly punching a woman in the face at a Tallahassee bar, Dalvin Cook‘s status at Florida State continues to be up in the air as the star running back remains indefinitely suspended. Cook’s initial court date stemming from that incident is set for Sept. 2, a date that was pushed back to the frustration of the player’s attorney and comes just three days before the Seminoles open the 2015 season.
Head coach Jimbo Fisher, who said “there’s no tolerance for hitting women” following a pair of incidents involving his players, stated late last month that “when the case gets concluded and all the facts are in, then Florida State will make a decision based off that and whatever’s going on.” Fast-forward to Sunday and FSU’s Picture Day, with Fisher taking a unique approach to the possibility Cook will be on the roster come early September -- or won’t be.
FSU RB Dalvin Cook has just walked out for team photo. School will take two. One with Cook and one with out him.
— Red Headed Girl Dad (@TuaBeliever) August 9, 2015
The Orlando Sentinel subsequently wrote "[w]hen Fisher was asked Sunday what he specifically waiting for [to make a decision on Cook], the coach responded, ‘The exact facts of the case and... the truth.’” Cook has denied any wrongdoing, and the woman’s account of the events that night has come under scrutiny.
Last season, Cook led the Seminoles in rushing as a true freshman. FSU opens the 2015 season at home against Texas State, and follows that up with games against USF (Sept. 12 in Tallahassee) and Boston College (Sept. 18, ACC opener and first 2015 road game).