Ezekiel Elliott domestic violence investigation ongoing, but NFL in no rush
With each passing day, it becomes less likely the NFL will resolve its investigation into domestic violence allegations against Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott and potentially impose discipline before the season ends.
But the league says the NFL calendar isn’t a factor in the timeline on such probes.
Speaking generally in an email to USA TODAY Sports on Thursday, league spokesman Brian McCarthy wrote: “If any investigation indicates a violation of the personal conduct policy, the player or club employee would be held accountable once the entire process is completed. The timing of an investigation and disposition of a case is not contingent on the football season.”
In other words, there is no rush to make a ruling on Elliott, whose attorney issued a statement demanding the NFL drop its case Nov. 1 – one day after USA TODAY Sports reported the lead attorney who investigated a woman’s claims that Elliott abused her five times in July believes there were a series of violent interactions between the two.
NFL sought information on Florida incident allegedly involving Ezekiel Elliott
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The Columbus (Ohio) City Attorney’s Office announced Sept. 6 it would not pursue criminal charges against Elliott, citing conflicting and inconsistent information across all incidents. But the NFL has the authority to impose discipline absent criminal charges “if the credible evidence establishes that you engaged in conduct prohibited” by the personal conduct policy, which specifically bans “actual or threatened physical violence against another person.”
The league says its investigation of Elliott remains active and ongoing. Even once that process is complete, there are several more steps under the policy – all of which make it increasingly unlikely to affect Elliott’s availability as the 11-1 Cowboys continue their push for a No. 1 seed and deep playoff run behind Elliott, the NFL’s leading rusher.
“Employees who are subject to discipline will be given notice of the potential violation for which discipline may be imposed,” the policy says. “The employee will be furnished with the records and other reports that the disciplinary officer has relied on in addressing the matter, including records from law enforcement and a copy of any investigatory report and any documents relied upon by a league investigator in generating the report.
“The employee will be permitted to submit information in writing to rebut or otherwise respond to the report. In addition, the employee will have the opportunity to meet with the investigator and disciplinary officer in advance of discipline being imposed. … Once the record is complete, the disciplinary officer will issue a written decision setting forth the reasons for as well as the amount and nature of the discipline to be imposed.”
Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott's accuser also alleged there was incident in Florida
If disciplined, Elliott also would have the right to appeal and almost surely would do so, given his repeated proclamations of innocence.
Last month, USA TODAY Sports reported the same woman called police on Elliott in February in Florida, alleging she suffered left shoulder pain after Elliott – then training for the NFL Draft, in which the Cowboys drafted him No. 4 overall – shoved her up against a wall during an argument that turned physical. No charges were filed in that case either. But it could be considered an aggravating factor if the league decides to discipline him for the July allegations.
Authorities in Florida and Ohio have told USA TODAY Sports that NFL investigators reached out to request information on the case. Elliott was interviewed, too. And an email from an NFL investigator to the Aventura (Fla.) Police Department indicates Elliott’s accuser has cooperated with the league’s investigation.
USA TODAY Sports does not name alleged victims of domestic violence.
Follow Tom Pelissero on Twitter @TomPelissero.