Buffalo Bills running back James Cook showed up at St. John Fisher University on Sunday afternoon but did not participate in the mandatory practice. This is the first time Cook has not participated in a mandatory practice since he sought a contract extension during this offseason. After the practice, when questioned by a group of reporters about his absence, Cook responded enigmatically.
To the questions of whether it was his decision not to practice on Sunday, if he was “holding back” and if he planned to practice the next day, Cook reiterated: “Business.” The Bills chose not to comment when asked about Cook’s absence, who is in the final year of his rookie contract. His agent did not respond to requests for comment. Cook was not included on the list of injured players who would not participate in practice, according to coach Sean McDermott. When asked about his level of dissatisfaction with the current situation, Cook replied: “Just business.” When asked if he was interested in sharing his version of the negotiations, Cook stated: “There are no versions, just business.” Cook’s contract situation has been a recurring topic, especially after the running back publicly expressed his desire to be compensated as one of the league’s top running backs at the start of the offseason. However, at the beginning of the camp, Cook had assured that he wanted to participate in the practices to support his teammates and avoid fines. The general manager, Brandon Beane, commented at the beginning of the camp:“Oh, nothing. Business.”
James Cook
“Sometimes you can’t reach an agreement or try to fit something in. There have been players who have left that we really wanted. We just couldn’t make it work. But I can tell you that I am hopeful that, at next year’s training camp, James Cook will be practicing and will continue to represent the red, white, and blue.”
Brandon Beane
