Ezekiel Elliott Reportedly Faces 'Short' Suspension in Domestic Violence Probe
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Jul 15, 2017
The league sources close to the matter said that Ezekiel Elliott - who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft - could be sanctioned a one- or two-game suspension, but the NFL has denied that any final decision on punishment has been prepared, and could not be made until its investigation is finalized.
The league has never provided a timeline for the investigation into Elliott's ex-girlfriend's claims that he hit her on five different occasions between July 17-22 of previous year.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, there is a growing sense that Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott could face a one-to-two game suspension for an alleged domestic violence incident from a year ago. Elliott would then have a chance to respond.
Elliott led the National Football League in rushing as a rookie last season, picking up 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns on 322 carries. Per league's conduct policy, the first-time violation of the policy carries a six-game suspension, but it also authorizes for a lesser sanction should vindication factors are associated.
Elliott was cleared of any criminal charges in the case in September, when the Columbus, Ohio city attorney's office cited conflicting witness reports of the alleged assaults.
The Cowboys do not yet know anything definitive about Elliott's fate ... but if he is about to know the charges so will they.
Elliott is entering his second year after a banner rookie season.
With Elliott potentially sidelined, it would likely be veteran Darren McFadden getting the starting nod. He had an NFL-best 1,631 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns and 32 catches for 363 yards with one receiving touchdown. His performance a year ago garnered him Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team honors.