Music venue squared away with Bills’ James Cook after filing police report over unpaid tab

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – A downtown music venue that filed a police report against Bills running back James Cook over an unpaid debt says the situation has been remedied.

Venu, a music venue on W. Chippewa Street, released a statement Friday that characterized Cook leaving without paying last month as an accident. The 25-year-old Pro Bowler was “very polite and respectful” while handing the situation and is welcome back, Venu added.

According to the police report, Cook ordered bottle service in the early morning hours of Sunday, Sept. 22 during what Venu described as a sold out DJ show. Two bottles of Don Julio Reposado Tequila, a high-end bottle of champagne, water bottles, energy drinks, tax and gratuity totaled $1,028.

“Unfortunately, he forgot to pay his tab,” Venu said in a statement. “Since then, Mr. Cook has contacted us and fixed the situation and has been very polite and respectful. … There were no ill intentions. We are all human. What matters is how you handle it after, and Mr. Cook handled it very professionally!”

The police report states that Venu contacted two members of the Bills security staff regarding the incident.

The Bills did not have a game the day after the event. They hosted the Jaguars on Monday Night Football that week, and Cook scored a touchdown and led the team in yards from scrimmage in a 47-10 blowout victory.

The police report was not filed until Monday, Oct. 7, more than two weeks after the event. An update added two days later stated that the debt had been paid and Venu no longer wished to prosecute.

Cook is tied for third in the NFL with five touchdowns this season. His status for the Bills’ Week 6 game against the Jets is uncertain due to a toe injury.

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Nick Veronica is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team as the Digital Executive Producer in 2021. He previously worked at NBC Sports and The Buffalo News. You can follow Nick on Facebook , Twitter and Threads . See more of his work here .

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