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Vikes' Cook Appears In Court On Felony Charge

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- Minnesota Vikings cornerback Chris Cook will be allowed to travel with his team, if he returns. On Wednesday, he made a court appearance in Hennepin County on felony assault charges but did not enter a plea.

His attorney David Valentini addressed concerns about the conditions of his release. One condition stated he could not leave Minnesota.

"My client's permanent residence is in Virginia," Valentini said to Hennepin County Judge Robert Small.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Edgar Linares Reports

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Judge Small changed the condition and will allow Cook to travel for business-related reasons. If he leaves for non-business, he must first contact a probation officer.

Cook is also ordered to have no contact directly or indirectly with the alleged victim, his girlfriend. Cook is accused of choking her during a disagreement over the weekend in his Eden Prairie townhome.

Another condition stated he could not have contact with potential witnesses. That, however, presented a problem since a potential witness is his roommate Will Grishaw. The judge reversed that order and will allow Cook and Grishaw contact.

On Nov. 22, Cook and his attorneys will meet with Judge Small to discuss the evidence in the case.

"That will be the first time we talk about the evidence," Valentini said. "They have evidence. We don't have it."

Valentini also addressed County Attorney Mike Freeman's comments about treating Cook the same as everyone else.

"I happen to like Mike Freeman a lot. He's a good man," Valentini said. "What I'm addressing is the fact that most cases you don't have a press conference. But we understand the high-profile nature of this case."

Cook appeared in a black suit with a black shirt and white tie, his dreadlocks pulled back in a ponytail. He answered the judge respectfully with "Yes, sir" and "No, sir." He left court without comment.

The Vikings suspended Cook indefinitely without pay.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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