Travis Rudolph catches blame as fans float conspiracy theory to explain Dalvin Cook's release

Modified Jun 09, 2023 10:06 GMT

Fans believe Dalvin Cook was released after partying with Travis Rudolph - images via Getty

The Minnesota Vikings have released running back Dalvin Cook, and fans have an idea why.

On Thursday morning, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the reigning NFC North champions were parting ways with the four-time Pro Bowler. Cook would have been entering the third year of five in a $63-million extension he signed in 2020.

Explaining Dalvin Cook's appearance on Travis Rudolph's Instagram Live

These comments are referring to Cook's presence in an Instagram Live session by Travis Rudolph. Rudolph was recently acquitted of murder in relation to a 2021 shooting incident that killed one man and injured another.

The livestream had been part of a party Rudolph had organized in celebration of the outcome, and one of the guests was Cook, his teammate at Florida State:

Like Rudolph, Cook has had his fair share of legal problems. During his freshman year in college, he was cited thrice: for breaking car windows with a BB gun, being present when two men threatened a neighbor with a gun at his apartment, and mistreating three puppies.

As a sophomore, he was accused of punching a woman outside a bar in Tallahassee. He pled not guilty, was acquitted, and returned to football.

The troubles persisted into Cook's pro career, as in 2021 his ex-girlfriend accused him of domestic violence. He denied the allegations.

Assessing the next landing spot for Dalvin Cook

With Cook gone, the Vikings are expected to lean on Alexander Mattison, who has rushed for 1,670 yards and 11 touchdowns. As for Cook, he has already teased a linkup with the Miami Dolphins via Instagram:

According to CBS Sports' Jordan Dajani, the Dolphins would make the most sense for Cook - he was born in the Miami metropolitan area and played high school and college football in Florida. When the Vikings visited the Dolphins last season, Cook told Sports Illustrated:

Other options that Dajari floated around are the Buffalo Bills, where his younger brother James plays; and the Arizona Cardinals, whose primary rusher James Conner needs a backup, given his injury history.

About the author

Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.

Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.

Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.

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