Ezekiel Elliott has now responded to the suspension with a statement from his lawyers that make clear they are appealing it:
Ezekiel Elliott responds via attorney @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/s2UBdZmrT3
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) August 11, 2017
Here’s the transcript if that’s too small for you to read posted on NFL.com:
“We just learned of the NFL’s decision to suspend Mr. Elliott for six games for allegedly engaging in ‘physical force’ against the accuser. Mr. Elliott and his team of representatives are extremely disappointed with the NFL’s decision.
“Our offices have been engaged in this matter since last July and have worked hand in hand with the Columbus Prosecutor’s office as well as the NFL with their respective investigations. Accordingly, we are fully aware of the full body of evidence that exists in connection with this matter.
“The NFL’s findings are replete with factual inaccuracies and erroneous conclusions and it ‘cherry picks’ so called evidence to support its conclusion while ignoring other critical evidence.
“For example, both the Columbus Prosecutor’s office as well as the NFL investigators expressly concluded and conveyed to our office (and others) that the accuser was lying about an alleged July 22, 2016 incident whereby she accused Mr. Elliott of pulling her out of her car and assaulting her. An allegation that was ultimately undermined by her own friend’s affidavit which stated that no such assault occurred. The affidavit also outlined the accuser’s plan to orchestrate a story to police to in order to corroborate her false allegation of assault. In addition, the NFL’s own medical experts concluded that many of her injuries predated the week in question and likely occurred during a period of time when Mr. Elliott was not in contact with the accuser. During the upcoming weeks and through the appeal a slew of additional credible and controverting evidence will come to light.”
Wow it sounds like this is going to get very interesting. I hope Elliott is as innocent as his lawyers make him sound and that gets vindicated.
Although if he does, it’s going to make the NFL look absolutely terrible for coming to the wrong conclusion. But they should look bad if he’s innocent.
I guess we’ve got a month to figure this out.