Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys were bracing for a suspension from the NFL's year-long investigation into domestic violence claims against him, but expected the punishment to be a one- or two-game suspension if he was suspended at all.
However, the NFL handed Elliott a six-game suspension early Friday, sparking outrage within the organization.
The league sent Elliott a six-page letter that explained why his suspension was six games, and Elliott's lawyers have responded with a forceful response that claims the NFL “cherry-picked” evidence with “factual inaccuracies” while “ignoring other critical evidence.”
Ezekiel Elliott responds via attorney @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/s2UBdZmrT3
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) August 11, 2017
Elliott has three days to file a formal appeal of his suspension, which he and the team plan to do.
Under the NFL's current domestic violence policy, first time offenders receive a six-game suspension, though the league is able to alter that (to make it harsher or more lenient) based on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Elliott was accused of hitting his ex-girlfriend while the two were in a car together. However, four witnesses say they didn't see an assault, including someone else who was in the car with Elliott and his ex-girlfriend. He was not arrested on scene and police did not press charges against Elliott, thanks in large part to the witness testimony disputing the alleged victim's account.
However, the league continued with their own investigation and think they have found enough evidence against him to warrant a suspension.
The 22-year-old led the league in rushing as a rookie last season, picking up 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns on 322 carries.
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