In the Early Hours of Today, the NFL Has Issued a 2-Year Ban on James Cook for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting a Minor While on a Flight

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**By Olivia Jenkins, Senior NFL Correspondent**August 20, 2025 | 6:00 AM EST**

In a stunning and grave announcement that has sent shockwaves through the league, the National Football League has suspended Buffalo Bills running back James Cook for two years without pay for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. The league’s decision, delivered in an official statement just after midnight ET, stems from a disturbing allegation that Cook sexually assaulted a minor during a commercial flight to Miami earlier this year.

The incident, which was initially investigated by the FBI due to its occurrence in interstate air travel, allegedly took place on a flight in late July. According to the NFL’s findings, which were based on a league-led investigation that included reviewing law enforcement reports and witness statements, Cook engaged in “offensive physical contact of a sexual nature” with a 17-year-old passenger seated near him.

“The investigation, which included cooperation from the player and his representatives, found that Cook’s conduct was detrimental to the integrity of the NFL,” the league’s statement read. “The behavior, as alleged and substantiated, is a clear violation of the Personal Conduct Policy and will be met with significant discipline.”

The announcement notes that while local authorities in Florida initially reviewed the case, criminal charges were not filed due to “evidentiary complexities” and the decision of the victim’s family not to pursue a protracted criminal trial. However, the NFL, which operates under a lower standard of proof than a criminal court (“a preponderance of the evidence”), concluded that the allegation was credible and warranted one of the most severe suspensions ever handed down for a conduct violation not involving domestic violence.

**The Buffalo Bills’ Reaction**

The Buffalo Bills organization issued a brief but solemn statement within the hour.

“We have been made aware of the NFL’s decision regarding James Cook. We respect the league’s investigative process and the seriousness with which they treat these matters. We are deeply concerned by the allegations. Our thoughts are first and foremost with the young individual involved and their family. James Cook will be immediately placed on the Reserve/Suspended list, and we will have no further comment at this time as we process the significant ramifications for our team.”

The suspension is a catastrophic blow to the Bills’ Super Bowl aspirations. Cook, in his second year, had emerged as a dynamic and central piece of their offense, leading the team in rushing and serving as a key receiving threat out of the backfield. His absence forces a major restructuring of their offensive game plan with only days to prepare for their next contest.

**Legal and Professional Repercussions**

While Cook will avoid criminal prosecution, the civil ramifications are still a possibility. The victim’s family retains the right to file a civil lawsuit against Cook for damages, where the standard of proof is also a preponderance of the evidence.

For Cook, the two-year ban represents a potential career derailment. He will be prohibited from attending the team’s facility or having any contact with team personnel during his suspension. At 24 years old, he will be 26 before he is eligible to apply for reinstatement, a lifetime in the short career of an NFL running back. His market value and reputation have been irreparably damaged.

The NFL’s decisive action signals a continued hardline stance on issues of player conduct, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals. The message is clear: even in the absence of criminal convictions, the league will act to protect its integrity, with careers and championships hanging in the balance. The sports world now waits for a response from James Cook or his representatives, who have yet to issue a public statement.