WIN FOR ZEKE
GETTY statement said. “This ‘imposed’ system remains problematic for players and the game, but as the honest and honorable testimony of a few NFL employees recently revealed, it also demonstrates the continued lack of integrity within their own League.”
Part of the NFLPA’s argument in the appeals process was the allegation that the NFL refused to listen to the testimony of director of investigations Kia Wright Roberts.
Roberts said she would not have recommended a suspension for Elliott after interviewing the accuser.
Mazzant wrote, “the Court finds the NFL further sought to ensure the NFLPA and Elliott would never find out about Roberts’ opinions by arguing that her testimony would be cumulative of (Lisa) Friel’s and unnecessary in the arbitration.”
Friel leads investigations of domestic violence for the NFL.
Elliott was suspended six games on Aug. 11 by the NFL after it determined there was “credible evidence” of three incidents in 2016 in which Elliott inflicted “physical force” against Thompson, the alleged victim.
The NFL won’t back down any time soon and will likely file an appeal in the Fifth Circuit Court. That appeal was what helped them get Tom Brady’s suspension reinstated last year during the Deflategate sage.
The NFL released the following statement:
“We strongly believe the investigation and evidence supported the Commissioner’s decision and that the process was meticulous and fair throughout. We will review the decision in greater detail and discuss next steps with counsel, both in the district court and federal court of appeals.”
While the case may be far from over, for now Elliott plays.