Ezekiel Elliott suspended six games by NFL
The Dallas Cowboys were dealt a huge blow on Friday, when the NFL suspended star running back Ezekiel Elliott for the first six games of this season.
The NFL announced the suspension Friday afternoon. ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing a source, reported the suspension first. Schefter said Elliott has three days to file an appeal. Suspensions are sometimes reduced upon appeal, and the Cowboys will be hoping that’s the case for Elliott.
Elliott’s former girlfriend accused him of domestic violence in 2016. Prosecutors in Columbus, Ohio declined to press charges. The NFL, which has taken disciplinary action in other instances when a player has not been charged, held a lengthy investigation into the matter. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in July there was no evidence of any domestic violence.
“I have reviewed everything, and there is absolutely nothing – not one thing – that had anything to do with domestic violence,” Jones said. “My opinion is there’s not even an issue over he said, she said. There’s not even an issue there.”
Here is the league’s official explanation for the suspension, which is more detail than they’ve provided for many other suspensions:
“Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys was notified today by the NFL that he will be suspended without pay for the team’s first six 2017 regular-season games for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.
“Over the course of the last year, the league conducted an extensive investigation. League investigators interviewed more than a dozen witnesses, including Ms. Tiffany Thompson, who had alleged multiple instances of physical violence in July 2016, and Mr. Elliott. The league also consulted with medical experts. League investigators examined all available evidence, including photographic and digital evidence, thousands of text messages and other records of electronic communications.
“Pursuant to the Personal Conduct Policy, Commissioner Goodell sought the views of four external advisors (see below) to assist him in evaluating potential violations. These experts range in experience from law enforcement, judicial and public service, and other specialized subject areas.
“The advisors participated in a meeting on June 26, 2017 in New York City with Elliott, who was represented by his legal team and the NFL Players Association. The group also reviewed the league’s investigative reports and materials, the expert medical reports, and multiple NFL Players Association submissions on Elliott’s behalf.
“In a letter to Elliott advising him of the decision, Todd Jones, the NFL’s Special Counsel for Conduct, said these advisors ‘were of the view that there is substantial and persuasive evidence supporting a finding that [Elliott] engaged in physical violence against Ms. Thompson on multiple occasions during the week of July 16, 2016.’
“After reviewing the record, and having considered the views of the independent advisors, the commissioner determined that the credible evidence established that Elliott engaged in conduct that violated NFL policy.
“Elliott may appeal this decision within three days. If he does not appeal, Elliott’s suspension will begin September 2, the day of final roster reductions for NFL teams. He is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games. Elliott will be eligible to return to the team’s active roster on Monday, October 23 following the Cowboys’ Sunday, October 22 game against the San Francisco 49ers.”
The NFLPA said, via statement, that it is reviewing the decision.
Elliott has found himself in other minor trouble, though nothing as serious as the domestic violence accusation. He pulled a woman’s shirt down on St. Patrick’s Day. He reportedly got into a fight in a bar last month, though the police investigation was suspended when authorities couldn’t contact the alleged victim and there weren’t enough witnesses. Elliott got a misdemeanor for a speeding ticket after being clocked driving 100 miles per hour earlier this season.
The pattern of irresponsible behavior surely was a part of the NFL’s investigation. Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson reported in July that “individuals inside the franchise are irritated” with Elliott’s off-field issues.
Elliott was a key piece of the Cowboys’ NFC East championship team last season. As a rookie, he led the NFL in rushing. He had 1,631 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns after Dallas used the fourth overall pick to draft him last year.
– – – – – – –
Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
Follow @YahooSchwab
