The NFL is expected to hit Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott with a “short suspension” in connection with a 2016 Domestic Violence allegation last year in Columbus, Ohio. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the NFL's investigation is not yet completed but is already in the latter stages. Celebrity website TMZ reported that a 20-year-old woman told police Elliott assaulted her last year. During that time, the alleged victim was identified as his girlfriend.
The woman claimed Elliott hit her while they were sitting in her car. She also accused Elliott of choking her and throwing her against doors and onto a bed and did not let her leave the apartment several times last July.
During investigation, Elliott admitted that he had a sexual relationship with the alleged victim. He also helped her pay rent and co-sign a car lease. However, the Columbus (Ohio) City Attorney's Office did not file charges against the Cowboys rusher due to “conflicting and inconsistent information." According to ESPN, four witnesses told police that they did not see an assault take place.
Elliott, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hit slow probe
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Elliott expressed disappointment over the NFL’s long investigation, saying he wants closure on the issue. Elliott said if there was something to find, the NFL could have found it by now. Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones also told the newspaper that there is no cause to investigate Elliott.
Elliott led NFL in rushing last season
A fourth overall pick by the Cowboys in 2016 out of Ohio State, Elliott led the NFL in rushing last season with 1,631 yards on top of 15 touchdowns. He also caught 32 passes for 363 yards and one touchdown. For his efforts, Elliott was named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro First Team. A lot is expected from Elliott this season.
Recently, ESPN analysts Todd Archer, Jordan Raanan and Tim McManus agreed that he will be the MVP of the NFC East.
Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and Elliot led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record last season and the top seed in the NFC, but they lost in the Divisional Game. Prescott finished the season with 3,667 yards and 23 touchdowns with just four interceptions in 459 pass attempts, the lowest interception percentage for a rookie in NFL history. Prescott also ran for 282 yards and six touchdowns. The Cowboys will rely on veteran rushers Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris to step up if Elliott is suspended.
