Judge ready to rule on reinstating Elliott suspension

FRISCO, Texas — Will Sunday night at AT&T Stadium against the Giants be an on-field cameo for Ezekiel Elliott?

Everyone should have a better idea by the end of the day Friday.

That’s when East Texas District Court Judge Amos Mazzant III will decide on the temporary restraining order the NFLPA filed on Elliott’s behalf to put a hold on the six-game suspension the star running back was given by the NFL for his role in a domestic violence case while a lawsuit to get the suspension permanently overturned is pursued.

Mazzant heard arguments from both Elliott’s defense team and the NFL on Tuesday and said he would make a decision by the end of the business day Friday. Also on Tuesday, NFL-des- ignated arbitrator Harold Henderson upheld the suspension handed down by commissioner Roger Goodell, but it was determined the league’s leading rusher last season could play in the game against the Giants because of the timing of the decision — so close to the regular-season opener.

Tiffany Thompson, Elliott’s ex-girlfriend, accused him of assaulting her multiple times in July 2016. He wasn’t charged with a crime because of “conflicting and inconsistent information,” the Columbus Ohio City Attorney’s office said at the time. It took the NFL’s investigation more than a year to be completed before the suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy was handed down. Elliott has denied any wrongdoing, and his defense team has stated the NFL used improper proce- dures to come to its final decision of a six-game suspension.

Of course, Friday won’t end the back-and-fourth court saga. If the judge rules in his favor, the NFL could seek a stay of the suspension from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals or Goodell could place Elliott on the Commissioner’s exempt list, as he did with Adrian Peterson. Elliott still would be paid, but would not be allowed to work. If Mazzant rules against Elliott, the running back still could sue the NFL to get the suspension reversed while he serves it.

Elliott, a first team All-Pro as a rookie, hasn’t spoken to the media this week or at any point during training camp, but the Cowboys players and coaches are confident he hasn’t been distracted by the court drama, pointing to his focus and positive attitude.