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NFLPA releases scathing statement after Ezekiel Elliott drops appeal over suspension

Elliott will now serve his full 6-game suspension.

It was announced on Wednesday that Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott would be dropping his appeal attempts against the NFL, and instead would serve his full six-game suspension.

The NFL Player's Association has since released the following statement.

"On behalf of all players, the Union appealed the suspension of Ezekiel Elliott to its logical conclusion and we are withdrawing our lawsuit.

"Our vigilant fight on behalf of Ezekiel once again exposed the NFL's disciplinary process as a sham and a lie. They hired several former federal prosecutors, brought in "experts" and imposed a process with the stated goal of "getting it right," yet the management council refuses to step in and stop repeated manipulation of an already awful League-imposed system."

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.