In a result that will no doubt have some mixed reactions around here, Minnesota Vikings' cornerback Chris Cook has been found not guilty on all charges in his assault trial, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
From a football perspective. . .and purely a football perspective. . .this is a positive for the Vikings. Cook was starting to show some promise at the corner spot last season before this incident took place, and what was already a below average defensive backfield went completely into the toilet after he got arrested and Antoine Winfield got hurt. So, at least on the field, he should be an asset.
As far as off the field is concerned, I think we can all agree that the guy is still a jerk, at the very least. I said after the incident happened that he should be cut immediately, and I'm still not entirely comfortable with the guy at this point. But, on a personal level, there isn't really a whole lot I can do.
Whether I think Chris Cook is guilty or not guilty doesn't matter. I certainly don't think he's innocent, and have maintained for a long time now that "innocent" and "not guilty" are two different things. But, a jury of his peers has determined that he isn't going to spend any time in jail for his transgressions and, whether we like it or not, that's how the system works. I'm not exactly celebrating or spiking the proverbial football in all this. . .it simply is what it is.
Keep in mind that the National Football League could still take action on this. . .quite frankly, it would surprise me if they didn't.
I know that people are going to have thoughts and comments on this, and that this is not a mundane subject. I just ask that everyone do their best to try to keep it civil.
Once again, Vikings' cornerback Chris Cook has been found not guilty on all counts in his assault trial. The verdict came down about ten minutes or so ago, at around 2:30 PM Central time.