5th Circuit Court Rules Against Ezekiel Elliott, Suspension Reinstated For Now

Update:

Ezekiel Elliott‘s attorney, Frank Salzano, tells ESPN’s Todd Archer they are “currently exploring all of our legal options and will make a decision as to what is the best course of action in the next few days.”

The released the following statement regarding the news:

“Earlier today, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the preliminary injunction that prohibited the league from imposing the six-game suspension issued to Ezekiel Elliott for a violation of the Personal Conduct Policy. The Court also directed the district court to dismiss the union’s lawsuit which was filed on Elliott’s behalf. As a result, Elliott’s suspension will begin effective immediately. Elliott is eligible to return to the team on Friday, November 24 following the Cowboys’ Thursday, November 23 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.”

Ian Rapoport mentions that an En Banc hearing in front of 5th circuit is a “strong option” for Elliott, as it would keep the preliminary injunction in place and prevent Elliott from serving his suspension right now.

[divider style=”solid” top=”20″ bottom=”20″]

According to Kate Hairopoulos, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday to vacate Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott‘s preliminary injunction.

Arbitrator Harold Henderson ruled that the district court “lacked subject matter jurisdiction when it issued the preliminary injunction.”

This means that Elliott’s suspension could start following their bye week, but the expectation is that Elliott will refile the case in New York in order for him to keep playing without serving his suspension this year.

According to Albert Breer, the NFL plans to enforce Elliott’s suspension immediately.

Should Elliott, in fact, serve his suspension after the Cowboys’ bye, he would miss games against the 49ers, Redskins, Chiefs, Falcons, Eagles and Chargers.

Elliott was granted a temporary restraining order by a Texas court, which barred the NFL from imposing his six-game suspension for the duration of the lawsuit.

Elliott is accused of five incidents of domestic violence that took place over over the course of a six-day period in July 2016.

Elliott, 22, was taken with the No. 4 overall pick by the Cowboys back in May. He signed four-year contract worth $24,956,342, which includes a signing bonus of $16,350,068.

Elliott stands to make base salaries of $1.58 million (2017), $2.71 million (2018), and $3.85 million (2019) over the remainder of the contract. The agreement also includes a fifth-year option for the team to consider in 2019.

In 2017, Elliott has appeared in five games and rushed for 393 yards on 105 carries (3.7 YPC) to go along with 17 receptions for 134 yards receiving and three total touchdowns.

We’ll have more regarding Elliott as the news is available.