Independent arbitrator Harold Henderson has reportedly made a decision in Ezekiel Elliott‘s appeal of the NFL’s six-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, Elliott’s appeal has been denied, and the ruling that he will miss six games has been upheld by Henderson.
Ezekiel Elliott 6 game suspension has been upheld by Harold Henderson, per source
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 6, 2017
The suspension stems from a domestic violence investigation that the league launched into Elliott. The league decided to act on the allegations and suspend Elliott despite “consistent and inconsistent information” that led to the police in Columbus, Ohio dropping the case, citing this incident in particular and a series of incidents aside from this in its decision to suspend him. Since the hearing came down, a messy battle has broken out between Elliott, with the NFL’s Players Association firmly in his corner, and the league.
Despite the fact that the suspension was upheld, there is another avenue open to Elliott. The Dallas Cowboys’ star running back will take the field on Sunday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
"Ezekiel Elliott WILL play on Sunday"
–@TomPelissero on Gameday Season Preview fresh out of the courtroom
— Patrick Claybon (@PatrickClaybon) September 6, 2017
This is happening because Elliott is reportedly going to try and get a restraining order against the league that would let him play despite the suspension. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network explains:
To sum it up: Zeke Elliott plays Sunday. Could get a restraining order to stay in the field this season. Could not get it and sit Weeks 2-7.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 6, 2017
Pelissero reported that a judge will decide whether Elliott will get his restraining order by Friday, so while the suspension has been upheld for now, the battle between the Elliott and the league hasn’t reached its conclusion yet.
