Criticism of Elliott’s suspension the wrong tact to take
The moment news broke of Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension, the floodgates opened.
It seemed as if virtually every person with a twitter account, every sports media host, every Cowboys fan had an opinion about how harsh the punishment was for the Dallas superstar. “The NFL is wrong!” “He has been punished enough!”
“The Cowboys’ offense is in big trouble without him!”
Few took time to think about the things that really matter.
Six games is nothing in the grand scheme of things. And it’s certainly nothing compared to the years of damage domestic violence can cause victims.
It won’t get quieter. The woman in this case will continue to be called a liar. She will be blamed. Her name is public. I fear for the backlash she will receive.
The leading argument against this punishment is that there were no criminal charges filed against Elliott when these incidents allegedly occurred in July 2016.
The NFL, which has repeatedly failed to do the right thing when domestic and sexual assault are involved, did a 13-month investigation of its own.
“League investigators interviewed more than a dozen witnesses, including Ms. Tiffany Thompson, who had alleged multiple instances of physical violence in July 2016, and Mr. Elliott,” said a statement from the NFL. “The league also consulted with medical experts. League investigators examined all avail-
able evidence, including photographic and digital evidence, thousands of text messages and other records of electronic communications.”
Just because criminal charges weren’t filed against Elliott doesn’t mean the league isn’t allowed to take action.
The NFL should have taken this much action, or more, with other incidents in the past.
Hopefully, the NFL will be consistent in administering these types of investigations and suspensions in the future.
In denial
Just over a week ago, we heard Jerry Jones defend Elliott. According to reports from several media outlets Friday, the Cowboys owner is livid about the suspension.
Elliott likely will appeal
Fine. That’s his right. But when players and teams can accept that certain behavior won’t be tolerated, the league will be much better off.
Sadly, Jones and his camp are going to continue to spin this as Elliott being victimized by the NFL. The same Elliott who was caught on camera pulling down a woman’s shirt during a parade. The same Elliott who was recently involved in a bar fight in Dallas.
This guy is not a victim. He needs to get his act together.
Being the star for one of the most followed franchises in the world comes with responsibility. His coaches, his teammates, his fans and Jones should hold him accountable and expect more from him.
Anyone who doesn’t is part of the problem.
Domestic violence is unacceptable.
The NFL can play a role in helping this problem. Young men look up to these players. They make a bigger difference than they realize.
The league did the right thing with this suspension and has to keep this going.
It flubbed Ray Rice badly. Last season, New York Giants kicker Josh Brown received a mere one-game suspension for abusing his wife. That was a mistake.
The punishments are warranted and must be consistent.
As of now, Elliott, an All-Pro as a rookie last year, will miss six games.
Seek help
Hopefully instead of criticizing the league, whining about his misfortunes and listening to all the fans who support his behavior, he takes the opportunity to get help.
Unfortunately, that likely won’t happen. Jones will continue to talk about how Elliott is a great person and the team will throw a party celebrating his return in October. It’s too bad. The six-game suspension will become a blip on the radar if no one takes it seriously.
It will be a step in the right direction if anyone involved can learn from it.