Ezekiel Elliott Drops Appeal, Will Serve Full Six-Game Suspension

Ezekiel Elliott seems to have surrendered in his fight against his suspension.

Ezekiel Elliott suspension news

The Dallas Cowboys running back announced Wednesday that he will withdraw his suspension appeal, which means he will serve the full six-game ban NFL commissioner Roger Goodell handed him last summer for his 2016 domestic violence incident.

Elliott, 22, will thus next play for Dallas on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) against the Seattle Seahawks. A hearing had been scheduled for Dec. 1 for a potential preliminary injunction.

In a statement on Wednesday, Elliott’s agents, Rocky Arceneaux and Frank Salzano, said: “In consultation with the NFLPA and his lawyers, and after careful deliberation and review of the recent Second Circuit decisions, Mr. Elliott has decided to forgo any further appeals and will serve the remaining suspension. This decision arises from a practical assessment of the current legal landscape. Mr. Elliott’s desire for closure in this matter is in his best interests, as well as the best interests of his teammates, family and friends.”

The statement continued: “This decision is in no way an admission of any wrongdoing, and Mr. Elliott is pleased that the legal fight mounted by him and his team resulted in the disclosure of many hidden truths regarding this matter, as well public exposure of the NFL’s mismanagement of its disciplinary process. Mr. Elliott will maximize this time away from the game and come back even stronger both on and off the field. He intends to release a final personal statement in the upcoming weeks and until then we have no further comment.”

Authorities in Ohio decided not to press charges against Elliott following the 13-month investigation into the July 2016 incident involving him and his ex-girlfriend Tiffany Thompson. 

The legal battle was waged in four courts in three different states.

During his suspension, Elliott will not be permitted to have any contact with the Cowboys’ coaches or front offices. Owner Jerry Jones said he is not concerned about the rusher being away from the team for so long.

In eight games thus far this season, he has 783 yards on 191 carries and seven rushing touchdowns.

ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 26: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half at AT&T Stadium on December 26, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)