Elliott relieved to 'finally get a fair trial' in suspension case

Running back Ezekiel Elliott was happy and relieved to be back with the Dallas Cowboys after leading them to a 19-3 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday night.

Elliott's six-game suspension was placed on hold by a U.S. District Court judge Friday after it was ruled that the running back did not receive a fundamentally fair trial during his appeal process.

The All-Pro running back was sanctioned Aug. 11 for a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy following a league investigation into allegations he'd committed domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend.

Elliott, who was never charged or arrested, spoke candidly Sunday for the first time since June.

"Just relieved from the fact that I finally get a fair trial," Elliott said, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "I finally get a chance to prove my innocence. And I'm just happy I'm able to be with these guys for as long as it's permitted and just not having to miss time and not being away from them."

Elliott expressed dismay that his name was being "dragged through the mud" and said being with his teammates had helped him stay focused on football.

"It just feels good to be out here," Elliott said. "It's definitely been a tough last 14 months, and at times, it's gotten so hard you start to lose faith. But just being able to come in and be with these boys every day has kept me focused and made me not give up. I keep going."