Ezekiel Elliott remains one of the Dallas Cowboys top options on offense, leading the NFL in rushing in just his rookie year. But the league apparently is about to drop the hammer on Elliott and that's bad news for everyone involved.
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BREAKING: Sources
tell me NFL paperwork on #Cowboys RB #EzekielElliott now done, with plan to announce ruling on Friday. @1053thefan pic.twitter.com/1X4uRXEWTh— fishsports β (@fishsports) August 11, 2017
When Zeke Elliott learns his fate, the expectation is it includes discipline. The benchmark is 6 games, could be fewer. Fine possible, too
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 11, 2017
Sounding more and more like a 6-game suspension is a real possibility for Ezekiel Elliott
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 11, 2017
Ezekiel Elliott was allegedly involved in a 2016 incident in which he was accused of domestic violence by a now ex-girlfriend. While charges were never filed in the case, the NFL refused to close the investigation. The woman he allegedly abused shared pictures via Instagram of her reported injuries:
The woman tagged Elliott in one of the posts, and here's the caption from the first photo:
"Just for every women out there getting abused it's time to put a stop to it. This has been happening to me for months and it finally got out of control to where I was picked up and thrown across the room by my arms. Thrown into walls. Being choked to where I have to gasp for breath. Bruised everywhere, mentally and physically abused. It's not okay. So I want each and everyone one of you girls to step away now from domestic violence. You're worth so much more. I got told it was called "tough love" I'm sorry if you love someone you don't touch your loved ones."
Elliott's reps told TMZ, "I can assure you [the allegations] are not true."
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, in speaking with Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, brought word that Elliott appeared to be in the clear in mid-March.
"Per Hill, Elliott has been advised by his representatives that he will face no punishment from the league as a result of the 2016 incident, and that it's just a matter of time before the NFL closes the case. Because Elliott subjectively believes he's in the clear, his decision to pull down a woman's top during a St. Patrick's Day parade seems less stupid, in theory."
Elliott was not charged in connection to those allegations, but the NFL still chose to investigate.
Pro Football Talk notes that the woman who accused him of abusing her is also making the claim that he did it fives times over the course of six days.
This is what the commissioner said about the punishment of Ben Roethlisberger following two accusations of sexual assault despite no prosecution, per the report:
"My decision today is not based on a finding that you violated [the] law," Goodell told Roethlisberger. "[Y]ou are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct . . . that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans. . . . Your conduct raises sufficient concerns that I believe effective intervention now is the best step for your personal and professional welfare."
Ezekiel Elliott St. Patty's Day shenanigans
He was later caught on video pulling down a woman's top during a St. Patrick's Day Parade and per TMZ, one of Elliott's representatives claims it was "all in good fun" and that the "woman wasn't upset."
While Elliott was not detained by police, this kind of behavior is absolutely inexcusable and it doesn't matter if the woman condoned it or not.
Ezekiel Elliott alleged nightclub incident
Elliott's latest incident, as reported by Mike Fisher of 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, reportedly involved the star running back allegedly punching a DJ. Photos have since emerged of the alleged victim, and it's not great:
Here's the alleged victim involved in the Ezekiel Elliott altercation -- I'm not a medical professional, but your nose shouldn't curve pic.twitter.com/z5Uzgh4TTL
— π§π₯π’π¬ ππ¨ππππ¦ (@TommySledge) July 17, 2017
With regard to the incident, Fisher wrote the following on Scout.com
Elliott seemed unencumbered by the situation on Saturday when he attended Tony Romo's National Fantasy Football Convention, signing autographs for fans and playfully leaping into a Salvation Army kettle, recreating a scene from his stellar 2016 season. But a day and a half later, sources tell me, Elliott was at Clutch Bar. ... A punch was thrown. ... Police were called. ... An ambulance arrived on the scene.
The Dallas Police have since released this statement.
Statement from Dallas police regarding the Sunday night altercation that involved Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott: pic.twitter.com/AIObmC8uqW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2017
On July 16, 2017, at approximately 9:40 pm, Dallas officers were dispatched to a disturbance call in the 2500 lock of Cedar Springs Road. The disturbance involved a 30 year old male victim who state he had been physically assaulted. According to the report, the victim did not know who assaulted him. The victim was transported to an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries. There were no arrests made for this offense, nor were there anyone listed on the report as a suspension. This investigation is on-going and we will update you information becomes available.
The police report does not mention an arrest, nor does it mention Elliott or any suspect in the assault. The Cowboys have also released their own statement, saying that the team is aware of the incident and investigation.
Per @NFLprguy on #Cowboys RB Zeke Elliottβs recent incident: βWe are aware of the matter and looking into it to understand the facts.β
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 17, 2017
He also appealed a misdemeanor speeding ticket where he was apparently clocked at 100 mph, 30 mph over the speed limit.
After a standout career with Ohio State, Elliott was taken with the No. 4 pick of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. Elliott rushed for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season, losing out the Offensive Rookie of the Year award to teammate Dak Prescott.
