NFL targets entire Elliott suit in bid to restore 6-game ban

The NFL is asking a federal appeals court to dismiss Ezekiel Elliott’s entire lawsuit in its bid to lift an injunction that blocked the star Dallas Cowboys running back’s six-game suspension over a domestic violence case in Ohio.

The league wrote in a filing Wednesday to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans that the players’ union case filed on behalf of Elliott had resulted in “hopelessly doomed proceedings.”

The court requested arguments from both sides over U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant’s jurisdiction.

The Texas judge granted Elliott’s request for an injunction while the case plays out in federal court. The NFL asked the appeals court for an emergency stay of Mazzant’s ruling, and oral arguments are set for Monday.

The 22-year-old Elliott was suspended by Commissioner Roger Goodell in August after the league concluded following a yearlong investigation that he had several physical confrontations last summer with his girlfriend at the time. Prosecutors in Ohio didn’t pursue the case, citing conflicting evidence.

MLB

PEDRO’S SON SIGNS DEAL

» The son of Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez has signed a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers.

The Tigers confirmed Wednesday that Pedro Martinez Jr., a 17-yearold third baseman from the Dominican Republic, signed with the franchise as part of the international signing period.

The elder Martinez won two Cy Young Awards with Boston and one with Montreal. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

MATT CAIN RETIRES » San Francisco pitcher Matt Cain says he’ll retire after his start at home on Saturday against San Diego.

The 32-year-old Cain informed teammates of his decision in a closed meeting before Wednesday’s game at Chase Field against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cain pitched the first perfect game in Giants history in 2012.

Cain, 3-11 this season, made his big-league debut with the Giants in 2005. He pitched in two of the Giants’ three winning World Series appearances since 2010. The right-hander has a career record of 104-118 with a 3.69 ERA.

The three-time AllStar is nearing the end of his contract with the Giants, who have an option for one more season.

“His play on the field and community service exemplifies what a true big leaguer should be and he will definitely be missed,” Giants President and CEO Larry Baer said in a statement. “On behalf of the Giants, I congratulate Matt on an outstanding career and wish him and his family all the best. He’ll forever be a Giant.”

Before the bottom of the first inning on Wednesday, the crowd at Chase Field was informed of Cain’s retirement in a public address announcement. He doffed his cap to the fans and the Diamondbacks dugout in appreciation of the gesture.