While a concrete decision has yet to be made, the writing appears to be on the wall for the direction in which Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott will take his appeal.
Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott’s appeal hearing started today, with his goal being to reduce or eliminate the six game suspension for domestic violence handed down by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. While no decision has been revealed, it appears Zeke is fighting a losing battle.
GET DRAFT HELP: Fantasy Pros Draft Wizard and Fantasy Football Tools
For one, arbitrator Harold Henderson has refused to require Elliott’s accuser, Tiffany Thompson, to be present for questioning at the hearing. In addition, he also denied Elliott’s teams requests to review the NFL’s notes on her testimony from their investigation.
It’s obviously too early to call, but those signs point towards Henderson not reducing the duration of Elliott’s suspension. Then, news broke that the NFLPA hired famed attorney Jeffrey Kessler to join Elliott’s defense. That makes it appear as though the Elliott camp is gearing up for a court battle.
More from Dallas Cowboys
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Zack is back, good news for Dak and the Cowboys
- Dallas Cowboys: Are Dak’s interceptions cause for concern?
- Cowboys: Micah Parsons will be even more impactful in 2023
- 2023 NFL Season: It’s now or never for the Dallas Cowboys
Kessler is well known for his work in the legal system, most notably on Tom Brady’s DeflateGate scandal. That’s good news for Dallas Cowboys fans, as Kessler was able to get Brady on the field for the Patriots season opener back in 2015.
Elliott’s team will most likely file for an injuction in the court system, which, if granted, will allow Elliott to play until his case has worked it’s way through the court system and a final ruling has been made.
If that is the case, it is likely that the Cowboys could suit up with Ezekiel Elliott on opening night against the Giants. The downside to this is, of course, a constant distraction all season long every time news breaks about the appeal process.
Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Preseason Week 4
However, if Elliott is innocent as he claims, this is a necessary development in an attempt to clear his name of any wrongdoing.