Former Texas wide receiver Johntay Cook II has found himself in legal trouble once again after being arrested in DeSoto, Texas, on charges of possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. This arrest marks the second time Cook has been taken into custody within a two-week period, further complicating his already tumultuous career.
The 20-year-old Cook, a former highly touted 5-star recruit out of DeSoto High School, was previously arrested on February 4th in Fort Worth, Texas. On that occasion, he faced separate charges of misdemeanor theft and interfering with public duties. According to the Fort Worth Police Department, Cook allegedly stole car keys from a business drive-thru, reaching through the window to grab them before fleeing the scene. When officers later made contact with him, Cook reportedly did not comply with their commands, leading to his arrest.
Cook’s recent legal issues come on the heels of his decision to transfer from the University of Texas. After a brief stint with the Longhorns, where he caught 8 passes for 137 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in just six games, Cook entered the transfer portal in November. His next move took him to the University of Washington, where he joined the Huskies football program. However, Cook’s tenure at Washington was short-lived, as he was dismissed from the team after only two weeks. He has since returned to the transfer portal, leaving his future in college football uncertain.
The string of arrests and off-field issues have raised questions about Cook’s potential as both a football player and as an individual. His early promise as one of the top recruits in the nation has been overshadowed by his legal troubles, and his recent transfers indicate that he has struggled to find a stable environment within college football.
Despite his physical talents, which include impressive speed and playmaking ability, Cook’s off-field behavior may hinder his opportunities moving forward. His most recent arrest for marijuana possession adds to the growing list of issues surrounding the young wide receiver.
As Cook remains in the transfer portal, it is unclear what his future holds. His legal troubles and short stints at two high-profile programs will likely impact his ability to secure a new team in the future. It’s a cautionary tale of how off-field decisions can derail even the most promising of careers. For now, Johntay Cook’s football journey remains in limbo, with much uncertainty about what comes next.
