In a prepared statement released via the NFL's Ian Rapaport, Ezekiel Elliott and his team announced on Wednesday that Elliott would be withdrawing his legal appeal against the NFL and will opt to serve his six-game suspension.
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The statement, as prepared by Elliott's representative:
Big news: #Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott is withdrawing his appeal, his agents Rocky Arceneaux and Frank Salzano tell me. Elliott will serve his full 6-game suspension. The statement: pic.twitter.com/BV3jPyX4ap
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2017
In consultation with the NFLPA and his lawyers, and after careful deliberation and review of the recent Second Circuit decision, Mr. Elliott has decided to forego any further appeals and will serve the remaining suspension. This decision arises from a practical assessment of the current legal landscape. Mr. Elliott's desire for closure in this matter is in his best interest, as well as the best interests of his teammates, family and friends. This decision is in no way an admission of any wrongdoing, and Mr. Elliott is pleased that the legal fight mounted by he and his team resulted in disclosing many hidden truths regard this matter as well publicly exposing the NFL's mismanagement of its disciplinary process. Mr. Elliott will maximize his time away from the game an come back even stronger both on and off the field. He intends to release a final personal statement in the upcoming weeks and until then we have no further comment.
Elliott's six-game suspension stems from domestic violence allegations made against him over the past year. While Elliott was not charged in any domestic violence incident, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has the power to suspend players under the league's personal conduct policy.
Elliott had appealed his suspension to the courts, much in the same manner that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady did during the DeflateGate scandal. Elliott's appeal was initially denied, but Elliott was able to get his suspension put on stay multiple times. However, Elliott appears to have accepted his suspension and will serve all six games.
Elliott, who served the first game of the six-game suspension on Sunday, will not be able to return until Dec. 24 when the Cowboys play at home against the Seahawks.
