What’s next in Elliott case? USA TODAY Sports
After likely appeal, it’s impossible to know
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is expected to appeal his six- game suspension, something his representatives said their client would do.
A hearing could be held as soon as next week, and the person who endorsed the decision to penalize Elliott for domestic violence allegations has the ultimate say on his appeal: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Questions about what happens next.
Q: Will he be able to play during the appeal process?
A: The ban would begin Sept. 2. At that point, Elliott would not be allowed in team training facilities until the suspension ends Oct. 23. But he could be on the field forWeek 1 if the suspension is overturned or he winds up pursuing a legal course that temporarily lifts the ban.
Q: Why does Goodell have ultimate authority?
A: Terms of the NFL’s personal conduct policy were part of the collective bargaining agreement between the league and players union — and Goodell has broad authority to punish players for “conduct detrimental” to the game. Goodell could oversee the appeal, but it’s also within his authority to designate an arbitrator, as he has done previously.
Q: What are the potential outcomes in the appeal?
A: The ban could be upheld, reduced or dismissed. Elliott can’t be suspended for longer than the assigned punishment.
Q: What would Elliott and his reps argue at an appeal?
A: Elliott’s camp previewed potential arguments last week. “The NFL’s findings are replete with factual inaccuracies and erroneous conclusions, and it ‘ cherrypicks’ so- called evidence to support its conclusion while ignoring other critical evidence,” Elliott’s agents said in a statement.
Elliott was not arrested or charged for an alleged assault in Columbus, Ohio, in July 2016, though the NFL listed the incident as the primary reason he was punished. The NFL wrote to Elliott, explaining a suspension could be handed down “if the credible evidence established that ( a player) engaged in conduct prohibited” by the conduct policy.
Elliott is expected to introduce text messages between himself and his accuser, the Fort Worth Star- Telegram reported Monday. “You better be smart. And not be a dumb man,” one of the texts to Elliott from the accuser said.
USA TODAY does not name alleged victims of domestic violence. Elliott has denied having a physical altercation with the accuser. In a statement released last year, Elliott quoted the woman saying: “I am going to ruin your career. You have messed with the wrong person.”
Q: What are Elliott’s legal options if his suspension is upheld?
A: Elliott, as other players have in recent years, could seek a preliminary injunction in federal court. If one is granted, his suspension would be put on hold before an evidentiary hearing takes place. For a judge to grant even an emergency injunction, he would have to spell out exactly why the NFL acted outside of its authority to suspend Elliott.