Vikings' Chris Cook faces domestic assault hearing

Chris Cook
Vikings cornerback Chris Cook, shown in a booking photo from Hennepin County, is charged with felony domestic assault for an incident involving his girlfriend. Cook was arrested early Saturday morning.
Photo courtesy of the Hennepin County Sheriff's office

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday for Vikings cornerback Chris Cook, accused of trying to choke his girlfriend.

Cook was charged in October with one count of domestic assault by strangulation. Earlier this month, prosecutors added another charge of third-degree assault, after learning the victim suffered a perforated ear drum and has experienced hearing loss.

The new charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The criminal complaint says Cook became upset and attacked the woman on Oct. 22 after she spoke to an ex-boyfriend.

Cook's attorney has asked that the case be dismissed for lack of probable cause. Tuesday's hearing will likely address that issue.

The Vikings suspended Cook without pay for two weeks. He's been reinstated, but isn't playing or practicing.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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