The NFL announced the suspension Friday afternoon. ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing a source,
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. 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.