vikings/nfl
Dan Wiederer began covering the Vikings in 2011, enthusiastically delivering insight on the team across the Star Tribune's print and digital products. Prior to joining the Access Vikings team, he spent seven seasons covering ACC basketball at The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. He also covered the Chicago Bears in 2003 and 2004. Follow him on Twitter @StribDW.
Mark Craig has covered football and the NFL the past 20 years, including the Browns from 1991-95 and the Vikings and the NFL since 2003. Since 2008, Craig has served as one of the 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. He can be followed on Twitter at @markcraignfl.
Frazier: Resolution coming Monday in Chris Cook saga
Posted by: Dan Wiederer under Vikings, Leslie Frazier, Bernard Berrian, Bryant McKinnie, Leslie Frazier Updated: November 2, 2011 - 6:39 PM
What in the world will happen with Chris Cook?
That may be the biggest behind-the-scenes question facing the Vikings organization this week as they enjoy their midseason bye. So now comes yet another major decision for Leslie Frazier and his staff with the front office certain to weigh in.
What matters more: Talent or character? Upside on the football field or civilized conduct off of it?
This afternoon, while joining Dan Barreiro for a one-on-one interview on KFAN, Frazier said a decision of some sort on the Cook front will come Monday.
"We're going to have a resolution as to what direction we're going to go," Frazier said. "And we'll talk about it then."
Cook's next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 22. Clearly, with a resolution promised for next week, Frazier has no plans of taking a wait-and-see approach.
Just two short weeks ago, Cook was emerging as a difference-maker on defense, a second-year cornerback with impressive size and speed plus the confidence to battle some of the top receivers in the NFL.
Man, the kid seemed to have a bright future and was giving the Vikings hope that they had made a terrific choice when they drafted Cook with their top pick in 2011.
"He was playing very well for us," Frazier told Barreiro. "He was coming along to the point where he was on the verge of being our No. 1 corner. He was really making a lot of plays. And people were staying away from him. He might get one or two throws his way and that was about it. So things were going well."
Then came the morning of Oct. 22. The Eden Prairie Police took a call from one of Cook's neighbors, who had heard screaming coming from nearby. Shortly after 2 a.m. Cook was arrested, taken into custody and held without bail on charges of domestic assault.
Three days later, an official felony charge was levied. And as the details of the incident became public, with Cook accused of hitting and strangling his girlfriend, the Vikings organization was left in a disturbed state. Cook was suspended without pay. He has not practiced since. And he did not make last weekend's road trip to Carolina.
In less than a week, Cook will know a lot more about his future with the team. It will be yet another high-profile decision for Frazier, who has already faced several in his first full year as an NFL head coach. From the release of offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie in August to the benching of Donovan McNabb in Week 7 to the release of Bernard Berrian last week, Frazier has had his hands full.
McKinnie was sent on his way in part because he had put on too much weight during the lockout, a sign that he may not have been dedicated enough. Berrian's investment in making himself and the team better was also questioned. And McNabb? Well, his subpar performance on game days led to his demotion.
All of those situations were far less complicated and less troubling than Cook's transgression. So now Frazier and the Vikings staff face another potential watershed moment. On Monday, we'll learn what they've decided.
ADVERTISEMENT
recent posts
- As Desmond Bishop speculation continues, Erin Henderson won’t budge
- Ex-Packers linebacker Bishop will visit Vikings
- Special deliveries: Webb, Patterson eyeing significant roles
- Vikings, NFL looking to enhance public safety inside stadium
- Ponder sharpening decision-making as OTAs wrap up
- Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway will have minor knee surgery Wednesday
- Is Cassel one of the NFL's top back-up quarterbacks?
- New Vikings CB Lacey out indefinitely after thumb surgery
- Allen returning to health, has 'no beefs' about entering contract year
- What Brett Favre told Greg Jennings about joining the Vikings
- Vikings' rookie Patterson gets a reminder: 'All eyes are on you'
- Peterson: Core muscle rehab 'cakewalk' compared to ACL
- Vikings announce key dates for training camp in Mankato
- NFL officially moves back 2014 draft to second week of May
- Adrian Peterson delivers ear-catching remark on gay marriage
- Vikings OTAs: Six under-the-radar players to keep tabs on
- With contract issues on hold, Jared Allen aiming to have big 2013
- Brian Urlacher retires, assuring he won't be Vikings middle linebacker
- NFL calendar change could push draft into May, combine into March
Post By Category
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
inside the StarTribune
-
425 Portland Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55488
(612) 673-4000
- Company
- Subscriber Services
- Website
- Buy Ads
- Store
- Connect with Us
© 2013 StarTribune. All rights reserved.
StarTribune.com is powered by Limelight Networks
Newspaper Subscriptions
eEdition
RSS
Newsletters