Ezekiel Elliott timeline: Tracing the news involving the NFL running back

By Joe Rodgers

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott will know by the end of next week whether he will face domestic assault charges for allegedly striking a woman who was once believed to be his girlfriend in July. 

According to The Dallas Morning News, Ohio investigators will meet Monday with Elliott's accuser Tiffany Thompson, who filed a police report with with the Columbus police department after posting photos to Instagram showing multiple bruises to various parts of her body. 

The No. 4 pick in this year's NFL Draft, Elliott has denied any wrongdoing and police did not arrest him or charge him with a crime. 

The NFL is also investigating the allegations. Should Elliott be found of violating its personal conduct policy, he could be subject to a six-game suspension.

Elliott, who is currently dealing with a hamstring issue this preseason, is expected to play a key role in the Cowboys offense after having rushed for more than 1,800 yards in each of his last two seasons at Ohio State.

By Bob Hille

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones says a video that appears to show rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott at a Seattle marijuana dispensary is "not good."

The video — posted on TMZ.com and calling Elliott a "marijuana tourist" — purports to be of him at Herban Legends only hours before he made his NFL preseason debut Thursday, though it doesn't show him making any purchases.

"Well, I think that in and of itself the reason we are talking about is in a way part of the learning process," Jones said late Thursday night (via ESPN.com), after the Cowboys' 27-17 loss to the Seahawks. "But it's not good. It's just not good. It's just not good."

Although the sale for recreational use of marijuana is legal in Washington, it is a banned substance under the NFL's drug-testing program.

Elliott, who has been hampered by a hamstring injury, had seven carries for 48 yards in his first NFL game action, drawing rave reviews.

The reviews of TMZ's video? Not so rave.

"Again that's a part of just really getting the big picture here," Jones said. "No matter if you played at whatever level, there is a picture here of interest. So again, I'm aware of it. I heard the report. I would know how he is, and he needs to look at that. And the other thing is it's just not good."

By Joe Rodgers

Ezekiel Elliott will not be charged for allegedly striking a woman who was once believed to be his girlfriend, investigators announced Tuesday.

Citing "conflicting and inconsistent information," the Columbus Attorney’s Office ruled that allegations against the former Ohio State running back lacked the evidence to support the filing of criminal charges.

In August, investigators met with Elliott's accuser, Tiffany Thompson, who filed a police report with the Columbus Police Department after posting photos to Instagram showing multiple bruises to various parts of her body. She accused Elliott of striking her in five separate incidents in July.

The No. 4 pick in this year's NFL draft, Elliott has denied any wrongdoing. Police did not arrest him or charge him with a crime at the time.

The NFL is also investigating the allegations. Should the Cowboys rookie be found of violating the league's personal conduct policy, he could be subject to a six-game suspension.

The league has not made an announcement regarding a possible suspension, but it seems unlikely following Elliott's vindication. 

Elliott is expected to play a key role in the Cowboys offense after having rushed for more than 1,800 yards in each of his last two seasons at Ohio State.

By Ron Clements

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was not charged following an accusation of domestic violence by an ex-girlfriend this summer. But the NFL still wants to hear his side of the story.

League investigators have reportedly spoken with Elliott about the incident that took place while he was still at Ohio State. A person close to Elliott told USA Today the NFL has an ongoing investigation that has run parallel to the investigation conducted by police in Columbus, Ohio.

Elliott was the fourth overall pick in April's NFL Draft and his rookie season has gotten off to a blazing start. He leads the NFL with 703 rushing yards as the 5-1 Cowboys prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) on Sunday. 

The NFL has an image problem when it comes to domestic violence issues and wants to ensure it has covered all its bases following the most recent news that has come to light on former New York Giants kicker Josh Brown. 

A league spokesman did not confirm the interview with Elliott with USA Today, but did tell the paper the NFL is actively reviewing the matter.

By Scott Ridge

Ezekiel Elliott's lawyer wants the NFL to end its investigation of domestic violence allegations against the Cowboys' rookie running back.

Not only that, attorney Frank Salzano blames the media for continuing to bring attention to Elliott even though he was never charged following an investigation in Ohio last summer.

A statement released Monday night from Salzano (via USA Today) read:

“For the past several days the media has elected to focus on allegations of domestic violence involving Mr. Elliot despite the Columbus, Ohio Prosecutor’s Office decision not to charge Mr. Elliott nearly two months ago. As previously reported, the prosecutor's office conducted a thorough seven-week investigation whereby in their own words they 'dotted every I and crossed every T' and concluded there was no credible evidence to file any charges against Mr. Elliott. My office provided a mountain of exculpatory evidence demonstrating Mr. Elliott's innocence and directly contradicting all of the false allegations contained in the Accuser’s two police reports as first reported on July 22, 2016.

“Yet the media has chosen to deflect the recent negative press regarding the NFL's reported mishandling of several domestic violence matters by focusing on the NFL's prolonged investigation of Mr. Elliott. The NFL’s interview of Mr. Elliott was conducted over four weeks ago and went unreported at the time as it was then, and still remains a non-story. It is league protocol to conduct a separate investigation whenever there are allegations of domestic violence by one of its players.

“We firmly believe that the NFL should promptly close its investigation which is only open because of their apprehensiveness stemming from the recent scrutiny it has come under for its handling of other domestic violence matters. Notwithstanding the forgoing, we remain firm that the NFL will clear Mr. Elliott of any wrongdoing and this matter can be finally put to rest.”

A prosecutor who reviewed allegations of abuse told USA Today it's his opinion that Elliott had violent interactions with his accuser even though Elliott was cleared by the city attorney.

Although not named in the statement, it's believed Elliott's attorney is referencing the case of former Giants kicker Josh Brown, who was given a one-game suspension amid allegations of domestic violence, only to be put on the commissioner's exempt list and ultimately released by the Giants when evidence of more abuse surfaced.

CBS Sports recently reported Elliott could receive a lengthy suspension pending the completion of the NFL's investigation into his case.

By Marcus DiNitto

The woman who accused Ezekiel Elliott of abusing her in July in Columbus, Ohio, alleged the two were involved in a previous physical altercation, according to an incident report cited by USA Today.

The woman also called police on Elliott on Feb. 12 when the two were in South Florida, where Elliott was training for the NFL Draft.

MORE: Players arrested on domestic violence charges under Roger Goodell's reign

The Aventura Police Department responded, but Elliott was not arrested, and according to the incident report, the officers saw no signs of injury and the accuser declined to go to the hospital.

Elliott told the police that during an argument, he asked the woman to leave his apartment and go back to Ohio. She refused and then grabbed him as he was trying to go into his bedroom and lock the door. That’s when he pushed her to get away from her. After the police showed up, the woman was given an ice pack, was instructed about how to file charges, but then left in an Uber ride.

While the Columbus City Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges against Elliott for a series of alleged violent incidents with the woman in July, the NFL continues its investigation into the Cowboys star rookie running back. USA Today notes it is unclear whether the league is aware of the February incident or whether it will affect how the league handles Elliott’s case. The league said it does not comment on active investigations.

Elliott's attorney, Frank Salzano, also declined USA Today’s request for comment, but earlier this week, Salzano called for the NFL to drop the investigation into his client and accused the media of piling on a “non-story.”

Salzano’s statement read in part, "We firmly believe that the NFL should promptly close its investigation which is only open because of their apprehensiveness stemming from the recent scrutiny it has come under for its handling of other domestic violence matters. Notwithstanding the forgoing, we remain firm that the NFL will clear Mr. Elliott of any wrongdoing and this matter can be finally put to rest."

By Joe Rodgers

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott will not be fined over $12,000 for his Salvation Army kettle celebration Sunday night against the Buccaneers, the NFL announced Monday. 

After cruising his way into the end zone from short yardage to give the Cowboys a 10-3 lead, Elliott set his sights on a red Salvation Army bucket, leaping into it before being greeted by his jubilant teammates.

The Salvation Army enjoyed added publicity from the celebration. According to Apex Marketing, Elliott's leap into the Salvation Army kettle was worth $200,000 in TV ad exposure to the brand. 

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones jokingly expressed a wish for the NFL to fine Elliott in order to gain more exposure for the charity work done by the Salvation Army.

"I think the Salvation Army should give (Elliott) the highest award," Jones told reporters after the Cowboys' win. "My dream would be for the NFL to really fine me a lot of money and I'll take them to the Supreme Court and we'll get the Salvation Army more attention than anybody can get them. So let's go."

By Kirstie Chiappelli

Ezekiel Elliott isn't out of the woods yet. The NFL has requested more information from the Cowboys running back regarding the assault accusations made by his ex-girlfriend in July, ESPN reported Sunday.

According to the report, the league submitted a series of follow-up questions to the rookie in the last month and he is still in the process of responding to them.

The woman who accused Elliott of abusing her in July in Columbus, Ohio, also alleged the two were involved in a previous physical altercation. She called police on Feb. 12 when the two were in South Florida, where Elliott was training for the NFL Draft. Elliott was not arrested and, according to the incident report, the officers saw no signs of injury before the accuser declined to go to the hospital.

Elliott has maintained his innocence and says he's been compliant with investigators. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also isn't concerned with the ongoing league investigation.

The league doesn't expect any resolution will be reached before the season ends, so any potential discipline for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy would be for the 2017 season.

By Kirstie Chiappelli

The NFL's investigation of a domestic violence allegation against Ezekiel Elliott could be approaching an end after the league received a series of records potentially related to the incident in question, USA Today reported Thursday.

According to the report, the NFL Players Association recently handed over "phone records and other documents" related to the probe into the Cowboys' star running back.

Prosecutors in Ohio decided not to charge Elliott after he was accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend last July, and he was not arrested in connection with the alleged incident, but the NFL still hasn't come to a conclusion in its own investigation as to whether he violated the league's personal conduct policy. If the league does find he violated the rules, his punishment will take effect next season. He will also have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

Elliott, who turns 22 in July, is coming off a monster rookie season in which he led the league with 1,631 rushing yards and added 15 touchdowns. He missed several days of OTAs after suffering minor injuries in a car accident last month, but has since rejoined his team for workouts.

By Gabrielle McMillen

Dallas police are suspending the investigation into Ezekiel Elliott's bar fight.

The Cowboys running back has been accused of punching a man in the face and knocking him out at a Dallas club, but police are now unable to locate the alleged victim.

Official statement from DPD on Zeke Elliott case pic.twitter.com/4Yj7BN15zx

— Rebecca Lopez (@rlopezwfaa) July 19, 2017

The man, who goes by DJ D-Train, gave police an old address and wrong telephone number, according to WFAA TV. Unable to find him, Dallas police used Twitter to ask DJ D-Train to come in for an interview.

Just because the police are putting the case on the back burner doesn't mean it's closed. Dallas PD can reverse the suspension at any time.

Elliott is also dealing with other legal issues. He's expected to appeal a traffic ticket from April that has him going 100 mph in a 70-mph zone.

He also was accused of domestic violence in 2016 by an ex-girlfriend, although those charges were dropped.

The NFL is looking into these issues, all or any of which could lead to a suspension.

By Gabrielle McMillen

The woman who claimed Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was abusive towards her penned a post against domestic violence one year after the alleged incident.

The woman, who said she was in a relationship with Elliott, wrote about how she got out of a "toxic relationship," but didn't call Elliott out by name.

“Exactly 1 year ago today my life changed forever,” the woman posted on social media, via TMZ. “I finally got the strength to be the strong woman I was and got myself out of a very toxic relationship. Ladies never think you’re too in love or too scared to leave because at one point that was me. There’s plenty of opportunities out there for you. Love yourself first. Speak up and stop domestic violence.”

Elliott, who was never charged with domestic violence, said the relationship was purely sexual. He has denied abusing the woman in any way.

The NFL has yet to take action against Elliott for that accusation. The second-year rusher is also in hot water for driving 100 mph in a 70 mph zone and, most recently, for allegedly assaulting a man in a Dallas club.

He has only been charged with the speeding incident, since the alleged victim in the bar fight is not cooperating with Dallas police.

By Kirstie Chiappelli

Ezekiel Elliott has finally faced his demons.

After saying he expects the NFL to "imminently" announce its ruling, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones further elaborated by revealing the star running back has met with league officials in New York regarding his domestic violence allegation stemming from a 2016 incident.

"They have had their hearing and they have had all of the responses," Jones said after Saturday’s training camp practice, via the team's website. "Everything’s in place to make a decision.

"I think anything is discretionary. At any time you can ask for more meetings, whether it’s the league or whether it’s Zeke."

Jones has long asserted Elliott's innocence in the matter, recenty saying "there is absolutely nothing, not one thing, that I’ve seen that has anything to do with domestic violence." Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has effectively recused himself from the league’s investigation.

The league has not taken action against Elliott, who was never charged in the alleged assault. The second-year rusher is also in hot water for driving 100 mph in a 70 mph zone and being accused of punching a DJ in a Dallas nightclub, though Dallas police have suspended that investigation because the accuser has not been cooperative.

The Cowboys signed veteran running back Ronnie Hillman earlier this week, though coach Jason Garrett told reporters the signing is due to Jahad Thomas' hamstring injury and had nothing to do with a potential suspension of Elliott.

By Bob Hille

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott will be suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the 2017 NFL season under the league's Personal Conduct Policy, the NFL announced Friday, capping a year-long investigation into his behavior off the field.

Pending the appeal that Elliott indicated Friday will be filed, the suspension means he would miss games against the Giants, Broncos, Cardinals, Rams, Packers and 49ers. Including the team's bye week Oct. 15, he would be eligible to return Oct. 23, the day after the 49ers game, and would be able to play against the Redskins on Oct. 29, almost two months after the regular-season's start.

"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," the league concluded.

The NFL said that "more than a dozen witnesses" were interviewed during the investigation, including Tiffany Thompson, whose accusations of domestic violence in July 2016 touched off the probe.

However, Elliott, in a statement released later Friday, strongly disputed the league’s basis for its suspension and clearly indicated that he will appeal: “The NFL’s findings are replete with factual innacuracies and erroneous conclusions and it ‘cherry picks’ so called evidence to support its conclusion while ignoring other critical evidence. … During the upcoming weeks and through the appeal a slew of additional credible and controverting evidence will come to light.”

According to league rules, Elliott has three business days to file notice of appeal, and a hearing must be scheduled within 10 days of receipt of the notice. Pending the appeal, Elliott's suspension would begin Sept. 2, the day of final roster cuts. He is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games until then.

The NFLPA released a statement shortly after the league’s announcement, saying, “We are reviewing the decision and have been in touch with Ezekiel and his representatives to consider all options.”

An appeal would be heard by the commissioner or his designee, typically former NFL executive Harold Henderson.

If he loses the appeal (or even if it is reduced to fewer games), Elliott faces losing the more than $8 million of guaranteed money in his current contract, according to multiple reports.

The league's yearlong investigation began last summer, after Thompson claimed Elliott had assaulted her multiple times.

Elliott was never charged in the alleged 2016 assault, but that's not the only issue Elliott has had off the field.

He was cited in April for speeding after being clocked going 100 mph in a 70-mph zone, he appeared on video to expose a woman's breast during a St. Patrick's Day parade this spring and more recently was accused of punching a nightclub DJ in Dallas, though police suspended that investigation because the accuser was not cooperative.

According to multiple reports, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones — who had steadfastly defended his player — was furious about the severity of the suspension after having said last week, "The domestic violence is not an issue. Zeke has had some other things that have been looked at and are being looked at. But from the domestic violence issue, there’s not an issue."

Jones and the Cowboys had held out hope as recently as this week that Elliott might avoid a suspension.

By Jordan Heck

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott responded to the NFL's decision to suspend him for six games. His representatives released a statement, via NFL Network, saying they plan to appeal the decision, and provided their reasons why.

In a letter to Elliott, the NFL stated the domestic violence allegations against him were strong enough to warrant punishment, despite there being no charges filed on the Cowboys back. The letter also stated two medical experts felt the photos of injuries suffered by Elliott's girlfriend, Tiffany Thompson, matched her descriptions of the alleged altercations.

MORE: NFL's letter to Elliott | Fans react to news

Here is Elliott's response, via his representatives, in full:

"We just learned of the NFL's decision to suspend Mr. Elliott for six games for allegedly engaging in 'physical force' against the accuser. Mr. Elliott and his team of representatives are extremely disappointed with the NFL's decision.

"Our offices have been engaged in this matter since last July and have worked hand in hand with the Columbus Prosecutor's office as well as the NFL with their respective investigations. Accordingly, we are fully aware of the full body of evidence that exists in connection with this matter.

"The NFL's findings are replete with factual inaccuracies and erroneous conclusions and it 'cherry picks' so called evidence to support its conclusion while ignoring other critical evidence.

"For example, both the Columbus Prosecutor's office as well as the NFL investigators expressly concluded and conveyed to our office (and others) that the accuser was lying about an alleged July 22, 2016 incident whereby she accused Mr. Elliott of pulling her out of her car and assaulting her. An allegation that was ultimately undermined by her own friend's affidavit which stated that no such assault occurred. The affidavit also outlined the accuser's plan to orchestrate a story to police to in order to corroborate her false allegation of assault. In addition, the NFL's own medical experts concluded that many of her injuries predated the week in question and likely occurred during a period of time when Mr. Elliott was not in contact with the accuser. During the upcoming weeks and through the appeal a slew of additional credible and controverting evidence will come to light."

In the last paragraph, Elliott's team is referring to text messages that were between Thompson and her friend, asking the friend to lie to police.

MORE: Ezekiel Elliott's suspension comes with silver (and blue) linings for Cowboys

Elliott was suspended six games for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. If the punishment stands, he will return Oct. 29th against the Redskins. 

The NFL's letter to Elliott said the Cowboys back must also undergo a clinical evaluation. In addition, he was told "another violation of this nature may result in your suspension or potential banishment.”

By Zac Al-Khateeb

The NFL sent a letter to Ezekiel Elliott that offers more details into why the Cowboys star was suspended six games on domestic violence allegations, and also says Elliott must undergo a clinical evaluation.

The letter, which contains some of the same information in a public league statement, explains that the NFL not only reviewed allegations of domestic violence levied against Elliott, but also his St. Patrick's Day incident — in which he exposed a woman's breasts — in determining the severity of his suspension.

A source close to the investigation provided the letter to Sporting News' Alex Marvez.

MORE: NFL fans unhappy with league's decision

According to the letter, the NFL said that its two medical experts determined photos of injuries suffered by Elliott's girlfriend matched her descriptions of the alleged altercations, and how and when they occurred. The NFL determined she suffered injuries to her "arms, neck and shoulders" on July 17, 2016, her "face, arms, wrists and hands" on July 19 and her "face, neck, arms, knees and hips" on July 21.

The letter also addressed Elliott's two biggest defenses in his case: that he was never charged by the Columbus Attorney's Office, and his supposed proof that his girlfriend was trying to set him up.

The letter states that the Columbus prosecutor said, "We generally believed (Elliott's girlfriend) for all of the incidents." The letter later stated that, "While there may be conflicting testimonial evidence regarding the nature and substance of conversations, there is no dispute that (Elliott) and (Elliot's girlfriend) were together in the same location on the dates identified, and no evidence to suggest that anyone else could have caused these injuries."

MORE: NFL's decision comes with silver (and blue) linings

All told, the NFL's review of Elliott's alleged altercations with his girlfriend, coupled with the St. Patrick's Day incident — which "reflected a lack of respect for women" — "suggests a pattern of poor judgment and behavior."

The NFL's letter said that Elliott must undergo clinical evaluation — and that, should counseling or treatment be recommended, that he comply with those recommendations. Elliott was also told in the letter that "another violation of this nature may result in your suspension or potential banishment.”

By Marcus DiNitto

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott issued a mea culpa Thursday for his lack of effort on Broncos cornerback Chris Harris’ interception return during Denver’s 42-17 win over Dallas on Sunday.

With his team trailing 28-10 and 6:41 remaining in the third quarter, Elliott put his hands on his hips and walked off the field as Harris returned an interception of a Dak Prescott pass 23 yards in the other direction. 

After the game, Elliott was blasted by NFL Network analyst LaDainian Tomlinson, who said the Cowboys running back “absolutely quit on his team.”  Tomlinson wasn't the only one who noticed.

“I guess you could say it looked like that,” Elliott said, per Pro Football Talk, in his first public response on the matter. “I would say I was just very frustrated, but that’s no excuse for the lack of effort I showed on tape. I just can’t do that. Being one of the leaders on the team and being a guy that people count on, I can’t put that type of stuff on film.”

Tomlinson also didn’t like Elliott’s sulking body language on the Cowboys bench on Sunday, when the second-year back posted the worst game so far of his NFL career, rushing for only eight yards on nine carries.

“It’s definitely not me,” Elliott said of the performance and attitude he displayed in Denver. “It’s definitely not the type of player I am. It’s definitely not who I am for this team. I just can’t do that. I was frustrated, and I wasn’t myself.”

At least Elliott acknowledged where he went wrong and did his best to put the issue to rest as the Cowboys prepare to visit the Cardinals on Monday night.

By Arthur Weinstein

Ezekiel Elliott's appeals hearing of his six-game suspension Tuesday has already reportedly suffered a setback. The Star-Telegram reported Monday that the Cowboys running back's request for a "truly" independent appeals arbitrator has been denied.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who denied the request, has chosen a former NFL management executive, Harold Henderson, to oversee the hearing at league headquarters in New York.

Henderson has heard almost 100 NFL suspension appeals, including a couple of high-profile cases the past few years involving Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in 2014 and Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy in 2015.

Henderson does have ties of sorts to the Cowboys, as a personal friend of team owner Jerry Jones.

“Harold is a really great friend of mine,” Jones told the Star-Telegram. “He was at my (Hall of Fame) party and so you weren’t at that party unless you were a good friend I promise you that.

"He managed the management council for maybe 15 years I served on it. He’s very competent, but the main thing is he’s a guy that I admire a lot. Former policeman, former attorney. He’s come through it the hard way. Literally.”

Elliott, who rushed for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns as a rookie, is appealing his suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The suspension stems from his allegedly committing domestic violence against former girlfriend Tiffany Thompson.

Henderson has already come down against Elliott on a couple of legal requests regarding the appeal. He not only denied Elliott the opportunity to face his accuser — Thompson will not be present at the appeals hearing — but he has also denied Elliott's legal team access to notes league investigators made during meetings with Thompson.

The Star-Telegram reports Elliott may sue the NFL if the appeal doesn't turn out in his favor.

By Joe Rodgers

Ezekiel Elliott's appeals hearing of his six-game suspension ended Tuesday without a resolution and will continue into a second day of proceedings. 

According to NFL Media, there is "no end in sight" for the hearing at NFL headquarters in New York.

Elliott, who rushed for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns as a rookie, is appealing his suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The suspension stems from him allegedly committing domestic violence against former girlfriend Tiffany Thompson.

Elliott's attorneys released a statement after the suspension was announced. They called the NFL's investigation "replete with factual inaccuracies and erroneous conclusions."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appointed Harold Henderson, a former league executive who has heard many cases involving the NFL's personal conduct policy, to hear the Elliott appeal.

Henderson has already come down against Elliott on a couple of legal requests regarding the appeal. He not only denied Elliott the opportunity to face his accuser — Thompson will not be present at the appeals hearing — but he has also denied Elliott's legal team access to notes league investigators made during meetings with Thompson.

According to Yahoo Sports, Henderson's ruling is not expected until after Labor Day. If the suspension is upheld — a decision which Elliott's side is expecting — his legal team does have the option of pursuing the case in federal court, much like Tom Brady did with Deflategate, thus allowing Elliott to possibly stave off a suspension this season. 

By Thomas Lott

While the NFL's policy for suspensions on domestic violence offenses mandates a six-game suspension, players rarely serve the full ban. 

According to ESPN, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is not likely to serve the entirety of his suspension despite being handed a six-game ban by the league for his alleged domestic violence incident.

By Joe Rodgers

Ezekiel Elliott would not miss a game this season if it was up to NFL lead investigator Kia Roberts. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Roberts testified in the appeals hearing for Elliott's six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy and recommended no suspension for Elliott.

Roberts personally interviewed Elliott's former girlfriend Tiffany Thompson, by whom the Cowboys running back was accused of domestic violence. Roberts told the NFL about her findings but the league chose not to include them in its final report and suspension letter on Aug. 11, per the Star-Telegram.

Also, a fellow NFL investigator — Lisa Friel, the NFL's special counsel for investigations, reportedly barred Roberts from attending a meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell where Friel recommended a six-game suspension for Elliott to Goodell and other NFL executives. 

Roberts' recommendation of no suspension was essentially ignored and she was not involved in the decision-making of the suspension despite playing a big role in the 13-month investigation. 

According to the Star-Telegram, Elliott and the NFLPA are aware of Roberts' situation and plan to exploit it if they have to go to federal court. 

Elliott's attorneys released a statement after the suspension was announced. They called the NFL's investigation "replete with factual inaccuracies and erroneous conclusions."

Goodell appointed Harold Henderson, a former league executive who has heard many cases involving the NFL's personal conduct policy, to hear the Elliott appeal. Henderson has the final say on whether to uphold the six-game suspension for Elliott. 

According to ESPN, pressure has been put on Henderson to have a ruling by Monday but it may not matter. 

Elliott has filed a pre-emptive lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, challenging the appeal process and asking the court to throw out the eventual ruling from Henderson. 

The NFL could have another court battle on its hands like it did with Tom Brady and Deflategate in 2015. Brady was able stave off the suspension thanks to a court ruling and was able to play the full season. Elliott and the Cowboys are hoping for a similar ruling that would vacate the suspension and allow him to play the full season. 

By Gabrielle McMillen

The decision on Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension will likely come sooner than later due to the pressure to reach a resolution immediately, ESPN.com reported Thursday.

Apparently pressure has been put on NFL arbitrator Harold Henderson to have a ruling by Monday. Elliott's appeal began Tuesday and ended Thursday.

Elliott is trying to get his suspension for an alleged domestic violence incident overturned. Many are speculating Elliott will still be suspended, but that the amount of games will be reduced.

Elliott testified in his defense on Tuesday, and the NFLPA provided a medical forensics expert testified the same day to look of photographic evidence of the injuries of Tiffany Thompson — the alleged victim and Elliott's ex-girlfriend.

As a result, the NFL provided its own medical forensics expert to testify on Thursday to look at the same evidence, according to ESPN.

Other testimonies were from Kia Wright Roberts, the NFL director of investigations, and Lisa Friel, the NFL's special counsel for investigations.

Last summer, Elliott was accused by Thompson of assaulting her. Even though Elliott was not formally charged by police, the NFL still suspended him for violating the league's personal conduct code.

By Marcus DiNitto

The hearing on the motion for a temporary restraining order filed by the NFLPA on behalf of Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has been set for Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET, per U.S. District Court Judge Amos Mazzant.

By Bob Hille

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and the NFLPA have accused the NFL of a league-orchestrated "conspiracy" surrounding his suspension in a 31-page petition for a restraining order filed Thursday in federal court in Texas.

In the petition, Elliott and the union claim there was an effort to "hide critical information" from commissioner Roger Goodell, among others, regarding the allegations of domestic violence by Elliott's former girlfriend that triggered an NFL investigation into whether Elliott violated the league's personal-conduct policy.

Elliott is seeking a reversal of his six-game suspension to start the 2017 season on the grounds that NFL director of investigations Kia Roberts found that Tiffany Thompson, Elliott's former girlfriend, "was not credible in her allegations of abuse" and there was a lack of evidence to support her allegations. Elliott and the NFLPA claim in the petition that Roberts' conclusions about the case were concealed during the disciplinary process and would've helped "exonerate" Elliott.

"The controlling and paramount legal question presented here," the petition reads, in part, "is whether an arbitration concerning the existence of ‘credible evidence’ for employee discipline based on ‘he-said/she-said’ claims of domestic violence can be fundamentally fair when senior NFL Executives have conspired to obscure (including from the Commissioner and his advisors) their own Director of Investigations’ conclusion that there was no credible evidence upon which to impose discipline, and the arbitrator has refused to require the NFL to make available for testimony and cross-examination: (i) the accuser whose credibility is at issue (or the investigative notes of her six interviews), and (ii) the Commissioner who was deprived of critical facts in making his disciplinary determination.”

An alleged conscious decision to keep Roberts away from a hearing June 26 is at the heart of the claim of conspiracy, focusing on NFL special counsel for investigations Lisa Friel. It was at that meeting that evidence was presented to four outside experts who would be tasked with recommending to Goodell whether Elliott should be disciplined.

According to the petition, Roberts was the only league investigator to interview Thompson yet wasn't at the June meeting when the evidence was presented to the four experts and they asked questions about the case.

The petition also cites other flaws in the disciplinary process as it seeks to vacate Elliott's punishment.

Update: On Friday, the NFLPA released the following statement regarding the petition for the temporary restraining order:

On Thursday night, the NFLPA filed a petition in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas seeking to vacate any discipline that may be imposed on Ezekiel Elliott by the NFL hearing officer (and former NFL lawyer), Harold Henderson.

This decision comes as a result of the startling revelations by the NFL's co-lead investigator that she — the only NFL investigator who personally interviewed all of the witnesses, including the accuser — did not support the decision to discipline Mr. Elliott. She was prohibited from conveying her views to both Commissioner Roger Goodell and the advisory committee that was paneled to make recommendations to the Commissioner.

The deliberate exclusion of her recommendations and findings constitutes a failure to follow the NFL’s own Personal Conduct Policy, which the League unilaterally imposed and refused to collectively bargain.

Arbitrary decision-making and internal inconsistencies continue to plague the most senior level of management of the League. This is the latest and best example of the Players’ belief that independent, transparent and collectively bargained policies generate the best systemic results for all parties.

By Marcus DiNitto

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott admitted that he did drugs while at Ohio State and that he still likes to get party and get drunk, according to documents obtained by the Dallas Morning News.

When asked by an NFL attorney this week during his appeals hearing, Elliott affirmed he does "like to party" and did drugs in college. 

Tiffany Thompson, Elliott’s former girlfriend who accused him of physically abusing her, told NFL investigator Kia Roberts that Elliott used cocaine and marijuana two months before the Cowboys selected him in the 2016 NFL Draft. 

Roberts, however, reportedly did not believe Thompson was a credible witness.

Elliott told NFL investigators that Thompson did drugs, too, including Molly, Xanax and other prescription medications. 

The Dallas Morning News also obtained a text message exchange between Elliott and Thompson, in which Elliott appears to be planning how to pass a drug test.

"I'm gonna pass. About to live in this sauna the next 24 hours," Elliott said in a text.

Arbitrator Harold Henderson is slated to rule on Elliott’s appeal of his six-game suspension handed down by the league for alleged domestic violence. But the NFLPA filed a motion for a temporary restraining order on Elliott’s behalf that would put his suspension on hold, and a hearing on that is set for Tuesday.

By Arthur Weinstein

The Cowboys have filed a strongly worded legal document supporting Ezekiel Elliott in his legal battle against his six-game suspension by the NFL.

ESPN reported Friday that the team has filed a declaration of support for the NFL Players Association's bid to get a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction that would halt Elliott's suspension.

According to ESPN, the declaration filed by team general counsel Jason Cohen says an Elliott suspension would "cause the Cowboys irreparable harm." The declaration noted that every practice and game that Elliott misses "will hurt our team's chances of having a successful season and making it to the 2017-2018 NFL playoffs and hopefully the Super Bowl."

The hearing on the NFLPA's motion for a temporary restraining order Elliott has been set for Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET, per U.S. District Court Judge Amos Mazzant.

If granted, the temporary restraining order, or preliminary injunction, would put on hold Elliott’s suspension if it is upheld by arbitrator Harold Henderson.

By Joe Rodgers

The legal battle surrounding Ezekiel Elliott is heating up even though an appeals hearing for his six-game suspension hasn't reached a conclusion. 

After Elliott and the NFLPA filed a petition Thursday to vacate his pending suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, then accused the NFL of a league-orchestrated conspiracy in a restraining-order motion filed in federal court, the league hit back with legal filings of its own Monday night. 

The NFL filed two petitions in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas asking for both the petition to vacate Elliott’s suspension and the temporary restraining order the NFLPA requested to be dismissed in order to prevent an injunction so it can enforce Elliott's ban. 

"The NFLPA also lacks standing to seek a contingent order preemptively challenging an award that clearly has not yet (and may never) cause it or Ezekiel Elliott any harm," an NFL lawyer wrote in one of the filings, via USA Today Sports. "And the NFLPA’s claim is unripe to boot, as even the NFLPA acknowledges that the arbitrator’s forthcoming award could still afford the NFLPA all the relief it seeks."

The petitions state the NFLPA doesn’t have the legal standing to seek a temporary restraining order since NFL arbitrator Harold Henderson has not yet ruled whether to uphold the six-game suspension for Elliott. 

Henderson's ruling is expected Tuesday but the courtroom saga could be far from over as Elliott and the NFLPA can re-submit their claims of a league-orchestrated conspiracy especially after NFL lead investigator Kia Roberts reportedly was silenced for recommending no suspension. 

By Ron Clements

Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension was upheld Tuesday.  Arbitrator Harold Henderson announced his decision on Sept. 5, but the Cowboys running back could see the field beyond Week 1 against the Giants pending additional legal action. 

Elliott was never charged by police and the NFL's lead investigator Kia Roberts reportedly was silenced for recommending no suspension. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly ignored Roberts' recommendation and instead handed out the six-game ban, writing on Aug. 11 there was "persuasive evidence supporting" Tiffany Thompson's allegations of domestic abuse.

Elliott appealed the decision and the NFLPA filed a petition in federal court last Thursday on his behalf calling for the suspension to be dismissed outright. The NFL shot back with its own court filing on Monday, asking the court to dismiss the union's petition. 

When the league announced Elliott's suspension after a 13-month investigation, the NFL did not mention any of Elliott's off-field incidents this year — pulling a woman's top down and exposing her breast during a St. Patrick's Day celebration in March; an excessive speeding ticket for going over 100 mph in a 70-mph zone in April; or allegedly punching a nightclub DJ in July. Not including those incidents as part of a personal conduct policy violation and tying the suspension solely to an allegation that never resulted in charges from police left Goodell's decision open to scrutiny.

By Bob Hille

Ezekiel Elliott, fresh off a 104-yard rushing effort Sunday in the Cowboys' season-opening 19-3 win over the Giants, addressed a different big win: his in court.

A U.S. District Court judge in Texas on Friday blocked the NFL's six-game suspension of Elliott stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident in 2016.

"Just relieved for the fact that I finally get a fair trial," Elliott told reporters after Sunday's game. "I finally get a chance to prove my innocence and just happy that I'll get to be with the guys for as long as permitted and not miss time and not having to be away from them."

The league initially ruled that Elliott could play in Week 1 but then would be forced to sit out the Cowboys' next six games. Instead, the legal process will play out under the NFLPA's request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, likely meaning Elliott, who rushed for 1,631 yards and 15 TDs as a rookie last season, will be available to the Cowboys for the whole season.

"It's definitely been a tough last 14 months," Elliott said. "At times it's gotten so hard you start to lose faith."

Arbitrator Harold Henderson initially denied Elliott's appeal of his suspension, but Judge Amos Mazzant blocked the penalty Friday.

When he was asked Sunday night if he had been treated unfairly in the whole process, Elliott said he didn't want to comment any further.

"I've kind of stopped worrying about it because it's not in my hands," Elliott said. "At this point I'm focused right now on being the running back I need to be for this team to be successful so we can accomplish what we want to and remaining focused to keep playing at a high level."

By Marc Lancaster

The NFL took the next step in the ongoing Ezekiel Elliott legal battle Monday morning.

Online court documents show the league filed an appeal with the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals challenging the preliminary injunction that put its disciplinary action against Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott on hold last week.

The league also filed for an emergency stay of the injunction in an effort to speed up a federal appeals process that typically takes months to reach a resolution.

Elliott will be eligible to play for the Cowboys in the meantime, but the NFL and the NFL Players' Association will continue fighting it out in the courts, as they did with Tom Brady last season, in the interest of establishing precedents for future disciplinary action.

U.S. District Court Judge Amos Mazzant III last week weighed in on Elliott's side, questioning in the fairness of the NFL's disciplinary process.

"The NFL's actions demonstrate that from the very beginning of the decision-making process, a cloud of fundamental unfairness followed Elliott," Mazzant wrote in granting Elliott an injunction.

He did not — and the courts will not — consider the merits of the domestic violence accusations against Elliott that prompted the league to suspend him for six games. The legal battle is simply over the disciplinary process.

Elliott rushed 24 times for 104 yards and added 36 yards receiving in the Cowboys' season-opening win over the Giants on Sunday night.

By Alec Brzezinski

Cowboys running Ezekiel Elliott's ongoing NFL suspension drama took a new turn Friday when it was announced that the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals scheduled a hearing on Oct. 2 regarding the NFL’s emergency motion on Ezekiel Elliott’s injunction, multiple outlets reported.

The timing of the hearing means Elliott will play for at least the next two weeks.

According to The Dallas Morning News, both sides will have 20 minutes of argument time at the Oct. 2 hearing.

Originally suspended for six games by the NFL, Elliott has not yet missed any time this season after being granted a temporary restraining order on the NFL earlier this month. 

After running for 104 yards in a Week 1 win over the Giants, Elliott was held to just eight yards on nine carries last week in a loss to the Broncos. He now has a tough matchup Monday night at Arizona.

As expected, the attorneys for the NFL and Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott didn't reach a settlement at a court hearing Monday, Oct. 2, in New Orleans, and a judge for the panel hearing the oral arguments said a decision would be forthcoming as soon as possible.

USA Today reported ahead of the court date that NFL lawyers "have not been engaged" in settlement talks with Elliott's representatives. 

The NFL is appealing a decision by a U.S. District Court judge to deny the emergency stay of an injunction barring the league from imposing a six-game suspension.

The initial six-game suspension stemmed from a domestic violence allegation by Elliott's former girlfriend in July of 2016. Though Elliott was never charged by police and the NFL's lead investigator Kia Roberts reportedly was silenced for recommending no suspension, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell still imposed the ban after he decided there was "persuasive evidence supporting" Tiffany Thompson's allegations of domestic abuse.

Arbitrator Harold Henderson upheld Goodell's decision Sept. 5, but the NFLPA filed a request for a temporary restraining order and U.S. District Court Judge Amos Mazzant granted the injunction while calllng the league's arbitration process "fundamentally unfair."

The NFL then appealed Mazzant's decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. While the legal process plays out, Elliott is allowed to play. 

By Joe Rodgers

The lengthy court battle between the NFL and Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott turned in favor of the league Thursday, as the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in in New Orleans vacated Elliott's preliminary injunction, all but restoring his six-game suspension after the Cowboys' current bye week. 

The U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Texas ruled in September that the NFL did not give Elliott a fair hearing for his suspension even before arbitrator Harold Henderson's final ruling, thus granting him a preliminary injunction and allowing him to play. 

The Court of Appeals ruled against the injunction Thursday, overruling the district court's decision. The 5th Circuit's decision says that Elliott and the NFLPA filed their lawsuit prematurely, going against the league's collective bargaining agreement. 

Court: "The NFLPA's lawsuit on Elliott's behalf was premature." The procedures provided for in the CBA were not exhausted. pic.twitter.com/0YdWJ80ZRO

— Liz Mullen (@SBJLizMullen) October 12, 2017

The NFL wasted no time announcing Elliott's six-game suspension would start immediately after court ruling. 

Elliott's side will now have to refile an injunction in the NFL's back yard, the Southern District of New York, if they are to continue to fight the suspension stemming from a domestic violence allegation.

Bottom line: NFL won this round as 5th Circuit vacated Ezekiel Elliott's preliminary injunction & Eastern District of Texas has to dismiss case. So, his 6-game suspension is back on and could start after bye. Zeke's side will now have to refile and process starts over in New York

— Brandon George (@DMN_George) October 12, 2017

The Cowboys are currently on a bye week, and Elliott is scheduled to miss games against the 49ers, Redskins, Chiefs, Falcons, Eagles and Chargers. He would then return to face the Redskins on Nov. 30.

With Elliott likely out, running back Alfred Morris will be inserted into the starting lineup with Darren McFadden spelling him. The loss of Elliott comes as a blow to the Cowboys (2-3), but the experienced offensive line should give Morris plenty of running room. 

For the Cowboys, Elliott's reinforced ban is another piece of drama surrounding the team as it deals with anthem demonstrations while trying to live up to its lofty goals after winning the NFC East last season. Dallas likely would have beaten the Giants and Cardinals without Elliott this season, should he have accepted the suspension from the beginning, which in hindsight, looks like the better decision. 

By Gabrielle McMillen

Ezekiel Elliott will be able to play in the Cowboys' Week 7 matchup against the 49ers.

U.S. District Judge Paul Crotty on Tuesday granted a temporary restraining order preventing the NFL from enforcing its six-game suspension against the running back.

Crotty was asked to rule on a request for a restraining order after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the dismissal of a lawsuit Elliott’s attorneys filed in Dallas seeking to have the suspension overturned.

NFL Players Association lawyers representing Elliott filed the motion for a TRO in U.S. District Court before the 5th Circuit upheld Elliott's suspension, which indicated the NFLPA was anticipating that ruling.

The NFL suspended Elliott after it determined he violated the league's domestic-violence policy when he was accused of assaulting a woman last year. Police dropped criminal charges because of insufficient evidence, but Elliott was still subject to punishment by the league.

By Travis Durkee

Ezekiel Elliot’s six-game suspension is back on after the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied his request for an emergency injunction at a hearing Thursday in New York.

A series of injunctions and restraining orders have allowed Elliott, 22, to play to this point, but a three-judge panel decided another injunction wasn't in the cards for the Cowboys running back.

The NFL Players' Association requested an expedited appeal, and the court responded later Thursday by scheduling a hearing for Dec. 1, meaning Elliott is guaranteed to miss at least the next four games.

The NFLPA has argued a suspension would irreparably harm Elliott’s career. The NFL, however, said roughly 100 players have been suspended for approximately 500 games over the past season and a half, therefore "Elliott's claim of irreparable injury is indistinguishable from those that could be made by 100 other players."

Elliott is second in the NFL with 783 rushing yards and tied for the league lead with seven rushing scores. If his six-game suspension is upheld at the Dec. 1 hearing, he would be eligible to return the field on Dec. 24 when the Cowboys, currently 5-3, face the Seahawks at home.

By Gabrielle McMillen

Ezekiel Elliott will be heading out of the country as his suspension begins, NFL Network reported. Elliott's destination isn't known, but the Cowboys running back will reportedly be training and trying to "clear his head."

His suspension was upheld Thursday after the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied his request for an emergency injunction.

The six-game suspension begins Sunday, when the Cowboys head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. The next time Elliott will be able to play in a game is Dec. 24.

Another stipulation of the suspension is Elliott can't be at the Cowboys' facilities to train or have any contact with the team, which is likely why he is leaving the country to train elsewhere.