What took place between Ezekiel Elliott and his accuser in July 2016 is no longer the focus of this case.
What began as an investigation into charges of physical abuse is now a rebuke of NFL procedure. A spotlight that only a few days ago illuminated Elliott's behavior now highlights the league's imperious approach.
Elliott and Tiffany Thompson are no longer the central figures in this disturbing drama. They have given way to arbiter Harold Henderson and Kia Roberts, the NFL's lead investigator, as the challenge of the running back's six-game suspension begins to slowly wind its way through the courts.