League fighting Elliott’s request
The NFL is asking a federal court to toss a request from Ezekiel Elliott’s legal team for a temporary restraining order that would prevent the league from enforcing a suspension of the Dallas running back over a domestic violence case.
The filing Monday night said the request on Elliott’s behalf was invalid because it was asking the court to stop a ruling from Harold Henderson before the arbitrator had even made a decision on an appeal of the six-game suspension for last year’s NFL rushing leader.
Elliott was suspended when the NFL concluded after a yearlong investigation that Elliott had several physical altercations with his girlfriend in July 2016 in Ohio.
Prosecutors declined to pursue the case, citing conflicting evidence. Elliott has denied wrongdoing.
Irma decision: The NFL says the Miami Dolphins’ season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not be played in Miami this week, but may be moved to a neutral site because of Hurricane Irma.
If the game is not relocated, it will be postponed until November, when the teams share the same bye week.
Kickoff had been scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT, but Irma is forecast to threaten South Florida this weekend. A decision on when and where to play is expected by Wednesday.
“We’re going to keep practicing and getting ready for the game until somebody tells us different,” Dolphins coach Adam Gase said. “Whatever they tell us to do, we’ll do.
“I’ve never been through anything like that,” added Gase, a Michigan native in his second season with the Dolphins. “I don’t know what to expect. I just want our guys to think, ‘Hey, we know what we’re doing.’ ”
Ticket demand: America’s Team? When it comes to ticket demand, the Dallas Cowboys certainly are.
According to StubHub’s data heading into the 2017 season, which kicks off Thursday night, the Cowboys easily have maintained their top spot, doubling the popularity of games involving New England. The Patriots, who open the schedule against Kansas City in that kickoff game, have seen a 44% rise in demand for their games, yet aren’t within shouting distance of Dallas.
Green Bay, which has a highly attractive opener at Lambeau Field against Seattle, is third in ticket popularity.
Heading into the full schedule, Stub Hub has seen such a prominent desire among fans to acquire Cowboys tickets that half of its top 10 most coveted tickets are for Dallas contests. Tops on the list is Sunday night’s opener against the visiting New York Giants.
Tripp signed: The Atlanta Falcons completed their roster for Sunday’s season opener at Chicago by signing linebacker Jordan Tripp, who played nine games last season for Seattle and Green Bay.
Thompson gets extension: The Washington Redskins have signed running back Chris Thompson to a contract extension.
The team announced the deal Tuesday but did not provide details. The extension comes five days before the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Thompson, 26, is expected to continue his role as the thirddown back and return kicks in Week 1.