Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is currently suspended for six games by the NFL in conjunction with off-field behavior that included a domestic violence allegation. After evidence has begun emerging pushing Elliott into a more positive light, the NFL has released its own blistering statement.
Videos by FanBuzz
New NFL statement pic.twitter.com/KJ64RDHVB2
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) August 16, 2017
"Over the past few days we've received multiple reports of the NFLPA spreading derogatory information to the media about the victim in the Ezekiel Elliott discipline case.
It's common tactic to attempt to prove the innocence of the accused by discrediting the victim — in this case Ms. Thompson — when coming forward to report such abuse. Common or not, these tactics are shameful. Efforts to shame and blame victims are often what prevent people from coming forward to report violence and/or seek help in the first place."
The former Ohio State star is already appealing the league's decision and, on Wednesday, information came to light that could certainly be helpful in the appeal process.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports obtained a report from the NFL that cites Elliott's accuser, Tiffany Thompson, exchanging text messages with a friend in what appears to be a plot to extort Elliott through the use of video footage of sexual acts.
"[Thompson]: What if I sold mine and Ezekiel's sex videos
[Friend]: We'd all be millionaires
[Friend]: We could black mail him w that
[Thompson]: I want to bro
[Friend]: Let's do it
[Thompson]: Scared
[Friend]: Shit
[Friend]: Id be like look give me 10k or I'll just sell our sex videos for the same amount flat
[Friend]: Me and my friends tryna go on vacation and get boob jobs
(the report notes a pair of blank texts)
[Thompson]: 10k Bitch I want 20k
[Thompson]: Go big or go home
[Friend]: That's fine too
[Friend]: Like what"
When reached for comment for the story, Thompson's friend said the following to Yahoo:
"I have literally no comment on that. I already spoke to somebody about that. It was an investigator. It was like, someone working for the NFL. It was like years ago, so I don't even remember what I said."
It is (very) important to note that this exchange does not rule out the allegation of abuse but, in the same breath, it could bring credibility issues that Elliott's team could attempt to use in the appeal of the suspension. At the very least, the information coming to light in the public is not ideal from an optics perspective, especially given the strong response that both Elliott and his agent have put forth after learning of the suspension.
Stay tuned as the story unfolds.
