Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension is, by far, the biggest news in the NFL world right now and there is a great deal of focus on the immediate future of both Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys running back has officially appealed the NFL's decision:
Elliott has also released a statement, even if it took quite a bit of time to come to fruition.
"I am both surprised and disappointed by the NFL's decision today, and I strongly disagree with the League's findings.
I recognize the distraction and disruption that all of this has caused my family, friends, teammates, the Dallas Cowboys organization as well as my fans - for that I am sincerely sorry.
I admit that I am far from perfect, but I plan to continue to work very hard, on and off the field, to mature and earn the great opportunity that I have been given.
Elliott made sure to "admit that (he is) far from perfect" but he certainly isn't happy about the NFL's decision to sit him down for six games. Elliott's agent released a biting response when the suspension came to light and there is some buzz that the talented former Ohio State running back could escalate his appeal to the point where it takes months and months to fully resolve.
A statement like this likely does not move the needle when it comes to actual decision-making surrounding the suspension. At the same time, Elliott (desperately) needed to release a statement in some form for public perception and he has now done just that.