Nebraska's Lauren Cook charged with felony, seeks deal

Nebraska setter Lauren Cook today asked a judge to allow her to avoid a felony prosecution by entering a pre-trial diversion program.

Earlier in the day, Cook was charged with a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident. On October 30, 2011, Cook was driving her parents' SUV in Lincoln, Nebraska, when it allegedly struck two people, sending one to the hospital with a broken leg. Cook's license had been previously suspended following numerous previous speeding infractions.

Cook's father is John Cook, head coach of the Nebraska Volleyball program since the 2000 season. He suspended his daughter from last weekend's Big-10 matches against Michigan and Michigan State, pending resolution of criminal charges.

The proposed pre-trial diversion program would include community service, a promise not to drive for one year, and avoiding other violations.

At a press conference in Lincoln, Lauren Cook said, in part:

"I am a firm believer that there is a reason for the events that happen in your life and there is a reason all of this happened. This has been a defining moment in my life and I'm going to use this experience and my time in diversion to become a better person, a better driver."

Lauren Cook
[WOWT.com]

Nebraska Athletic Director, Dr. Tom Osborne, also spoke at the press conference. He addressed whether Cook could return to the team this season.

"This is dependent upon entering into the pre-trial diversion at which time charges will be suspended or dropped so she would not be under charges."

NBC affliliate WOWT reports that the judge may take three weeks to decide whether or not to accept the proposed diversion plan.

See also:
Nebraska setter Lauren Cook arrested after car accident
John Cook/Lauren Cook: When a dad coaches his daughter