Cowboys’ Elliott suspended 6 games for abuse
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, the NFL’s leading rusher as a rookie last season, has been suspended for six games without pay for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
The NFL, after a yearlong investigation, reached its decision after reviewing Elliott’s behavior during a six-day stretch in July 2016 in which his then-girlfriend, Tiffany Thompson, accused him of assaulting her five times in Columbus, Ohio, where he played at Ohio State.
Elliott was not arrested or charged because prosecutors concluded that Thompson’s statements conflicted with those made by Elliott and witnesses. But he remained subject to discipline by the league.
According to the letter Elliott received informing him of the suspension, the NFL believes he used physical force three times in five days in a Columbus apartment, resulting in injuries to Thompson’s face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, wrists, hips and knees.
Elliott posted a statement on his verified Twitter account Friday night, saying that he was “both surprised and disappointed” by the NFL’s decision and that he strongly disagrees with the league’s findings.
“I recognize the distraction and disruption that all of this has caused my family, friends, teammates, the Dallas Cowboys organization as well as my fans — for that I am sincerely sorry,” the 22-year-old said in his statement.
Elliott has three days to appeal the ruling. While his statement made no reference to an appeal, his legal team, which blasted the NFL’s decision, said there would be one.
“The NFL’s findings are replete with factual inaccuracies and erroneous conclusions and it ‘cherry picks’ socalled evidence to support its conclusion while ignoring other critical evidence,” attorneys Frank Salzano and Scott Rosenblum said in a statement. “During the upcoming weeks and through the appeal, a slew of additional credible and controverting evidence will come to light.” Buffalo’s deals: The Bills shook up their roster with two major trades, dealing starting receiver Sammy Watkins to the Rams and acquiring receiver Jordan Matthews from the Eagles in exchange for cornerback Ronald Darby. Buffalo acquired cornerback E.J. Gaines from the Rams.
Buffalo also received a second-round selection from Los Angeles and a third-rounder from Philadelphia. The Bills dealt a sixth-round pick to the Rams.
Watkins’ future in Buffalo was already in question after the Bills declined in May to pick up his fifth-year option. He is entering the final year of his deal. Matthews is also entering the final season of his contract.
Gaines became expendable after the Rams acquired Kayvon Webster, who is pegged to start opposite Trumaine Johnson. Exhibitions: Rookie quarterback Josh Dobbs threw a 28yard touchdown pass and Chris Boswell kicked a 37-yard field goal in the third quarter to give the Steelers the lead for good in a 20-12 preseason win over the host Giants . ... Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick made a good initial impression with the Buccaneers, completing his first series with a 6-yard touchdown run, before the host Bengals pulled away to a 23-12 victory. Injury report: Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has decided to have surgery on the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will miss the season, a person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press. Tannehill had consulted specialists after injuring the knee in training camp last week. The Dolphins have signed Jay Cutler as a replacement . ... Washington linebacker Trent Murphy suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Thursday’s preseason opener and will miss the season, the Washington Post reported . ... Dolphins rookie linebacker Raekwon McMillan, a second-round pick, tore his right ACL in Thursday’s exhibition opener and is out for the season . ... Broncos nose tackle Billy Winn will miss the season with torn ligaments in his right knee, a source told the Associated Press . ... The Ravens said offensive lineman Alex Lewis (shoulder) and receiver Tim White (thumb) will have surgery and miss the season.