NFLPA files restraining order to block Elliott suspension
The NFLPA filed a restraining order on behalf of Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott on Thursday, calling for courts to block his potentially upheld suspension, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Here we go again: NFLPA vs NFL, this time over Ezekiel Elliott. pic.twitter.com/XAoeR3FpNV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2017
The suit was filed in federal district court in Plano, Texas. It targets suspected procedural errors made by the NFL in the initial ruling, according to the Star-Telegram's Clarence E. Hill Jr, and alleges a "league-orchestrated conspiracy ... to hide critical information - which would completely exonerate Elliott."
Related - Report: NFL investigator previously recommended no suspension for Elliott
Elliott, his lawyers, and the NFLPA hope to be granted a temporary injunction allowing him to play in the 2017 season until the ruling is resolved. Elliott was originally suspended six games on Aug. 11 for violations of the personal conduct policy after an NFL investigation into domestic violence allegations against him. He appealed the decision, and the appeal hearing reportedly wrapped up Thursday.
Representatives for Elliott said in a statement Friday that the player will "explore all other legal options" to repair the "reputational and monetary harm that he has suffered."
The legal reps for #Cowboys RB Zeke Elliott -- Frank Salzano & Scott Rosenblum -- sent me a statement on a "fundamentally unfair" process: pic.twitter.com/6WR10zby5Z
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2017
The NFL is pressuring arbitrator Harold Henderson to make his ruling on Elliott's appeal by Monday, Schefter reported earlier Thursday. If there's no decision by Tuesday, Elliott's chances of playing in the Sept. 10 opener, against the New York Giants, increase. He is eligible to play for however long the appeal process lasts.