Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has withdrawn his appeal to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. This means that Elliott will serve the full six-game suspension handed down to him in August. Adam Schefter reported the news on Twitter today.
Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott is withdrawing his appeal, per a source. Elliott will serve his six-game suspension and return to the Cowboys on Christmas Eve against Seattle.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2017
Schefter elaborated more on what this means for Elliott.
Ezekiel Elliott withdrew his appeal because, legally speaking, the case was unlikely to be resolved before the six games were served. So now he will take them and return Dec. 24.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2017
Best part of Ezekiel Elliott dropping appeal is that, unlike Tom Brady’s case, it will not linger over two seasons. One is more than enough.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2017
Here is the statement from Elliott’s agents, Rocky Arceneaux and Frank Salzano:
“In consultation with the NFL Players Association and his lawyers, and after careful deliberation and review of the recent Second Circuit decisions, Mr. Elliott has decided to forego any further appeals and will serve the remaining suspension. This decision arises from a practical assessment of the current legal landscape. Mr. Elliott’s desire for closure in this matter is in his best interests, as well as the best interests of his teammates, family, and friends. This decision is in no way an admission of any wrongdoing, and Mr. Elliott is pleased that the legal fight mounted by him and his team resulted in the disclosure of many hidden truths regarding this matter, as well public exposure of the NFL’s mismanagement of its disciplinary process. Mr. Elliott will maximize this time away from the game and come back even stronger both on and off the field. He intends to release a final personal statement in the upcoming weeks and until then we have no further comment.”
Elliott has fought the suspension all year. Previously granted injunctions let Elliott continue to play. Elliott and the NFL have gone back and forth debating over the issue. Now, Elliott will serve the full suspension.
Elliott will be able to play again December 24 against the Seattle Seahawks.
