The NFL boxed Ezekiel Elliott into a corner. His options are limited with the regular season so close to beginning, according to sports attorney, Daniel Wallach, who has no ties to either side.
“If we’re not past the point of no return, we’re really close to the line,” Wallach said in a phone interview.
The Cowboys running back was suspended Friday for six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Elliott has three business days to file an appeal, which he is expected to do. That appeal would be scheduled “promptly,” according to a letter the NFL sent Elliott that was obtained by The Post. The Cowboys are set to open the season a month from Sunday against the Giants.
He has legal options, but they are slim, Wallach said. Elliott could file a federal lawsuit seeking an injunction, which if granted, would put a hold on the suspension while the appeal is being determined.
“He’s got nothing to lose by filing a suit right now and trying to seek an immediate injunction to preserve his ability to play during the time the appeal is being held,” Wallach said.
Another choice would be letting the appeal process happen, then filing a lawsuit to challenge the ruling. But by waiting, he could miss time as the legal proceedings play out. There is no set timetable for when the league has to make its decision on an appeal. In the “Deflategate” case, it took the NFL nearly five weeks to decide on Tom Brady’s appeal. But the Brady suspension was handed down in May, not in the middle of the preseason, so there was wiggle room for the Patriots quarterback.
“He’s in jeopardy of missing the first and second week of [the season], no matter if he wins or loses,” Wallach said. “All this has to take place in rapid-fire order.”
Yahoo Sports reported Elliott is planning to take his case to court. How far he is willing to go, however, is uncertain.