Elliott’s suspension back on again
Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys no longer are in a state of suspended animation. The running back’s six-game suspension finally has begun.
The NFL players union Thursday lost what probably was its last legal chance to put Elliott’s domestic violence suspension on hold until the union’s court battle to have that punishment quashed altogether. That appeal case at least got a shove from behind Thursday, timing-wise.
A three-judge panel on the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan listened to arguments from both the union and the league. It took less than an hour for the panel to decide in favour of the NFL; it terminated the union’s motion.
Thus, Elliott’s six-game suspension begins Sunday, but he is also immediately barred from all team activities and cannot have any football communications with his team again until Dec. 18.
Elliott’s controversial suspension was to have begun at the start of the regular season in September, but the union has jumped from court to court, seeking stays and injunctions that would allow Elliott to play while the appeal plays out in court.
The Second Circuit court Thursday ordered the appeal be expedited and will begin hearing oral arguments Dec. 1. That’s four games into Elliott’s suspension.
Presuming Elliott does not win that appeal or at least not before Dec. 17, Elliott will miss Dallas’ next six games: at Atlanta, versus Philadelphia, versus Los Angeles Chargers, versus Washington, at New York Giants and at Oakland. He will return in time for the Cowboys’ final two regular-season games Dec. 24 versus Seattle and Dec. 31 at Philadelphia.
COLTS CUT DAVIS: Indianapolis waived disgruntled CB Vontae Davis Thursday. Davis did not play Sunday at Houston, a “coach’s decision,” per head coach Chuck Pagano. Davis Wednesday claimed he’d been “disrespected.” The ninth-year pro has complained about a significant groin injury and sought a second opinion. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Davis will now proceed with groin surgery. PATS CLAIM BENNETT: New England claimed TE Martellus Bennett off waivers Thursday, a day after the Green Bay Packers let him go. Before all you Bill Belichick conspiracy theorists start pointing fingers, understand only one team in the NFL (Philadelphia at 8-1) has a better record than the Patriots’ 6-2 mark. At least 26 teams had the chance to claim Bennett before the Pats. Bennett, a non-factor in Green Bay, hinted last week he’s mulling retirement at season’s end.