Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is expected to respond next week to a report from the NFL on the league investigation into a 2016 domestic violence accusation for which he could face a one- or two-game suspension.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the possibility of suspension Friday although the NFL denied it made a decision on a course of disciplinary action. Schefter said the sense around the Cowboys was a "short" suspension would be levied.
The NFL personal conduct policy affords the option of up to a six-game suspension for first-time offenders even if they're not convicted of a crime or face legal punishment. The length of the suspension can be reduced based on mitigating factors.
In July 2016, Elliott was questioned by authorities. But even after Elliott, 21, was cleared of any legal wrongdoing after the Columbus, Ohio, city prosecutor's office determined there wasn't enough substance to pursue charges after a lengthy investigation, the NFL began its own probe and declined a status update in January and again in February during commissioner Roger Goodell's state of the league address in Houston.
"I do want closure," Elliott said after the Cowboys' season-ending loss to the Green Bay Packers in January. "I do. I would rather them not drag it on as long. I think if there was something to find, which there's not, they would've found it by now. The police did a very thorough investigation.
"I will tell you this -- it just seems like they're dragging their feet right now. Who knows, man? I just want it to end."
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