The Ezekiel Elliott domestic violence case appears as though it may play out quite similarly to Tom Brady’s Deflategate case, and that could mean Elliott will not miss a game during the 2017 season.
Elliott’s appeal of his six-game suspension was denied earlier this week, but he is eligible to play in Week 1 because the decision was announced so late. His next step was to file a petition for a temporary restraining order, which would allow him to keep playing if he pursues the case in court. ESPN’s Will Cain spoke with one former district attorney who believes Elliott’s petition will be granted by Judge Amos Mazzant.
Talked to longtime Grayson County DA who was in courtroom during Zeke hearing. Said he expects Mazzant to grant Zeke's TRO.
— Will Cain (@willcain) September 7, 2017
Mazzant asked NFL three times how different aspects of the process weren't "unfair". NFL didn't have good answers.
— Will Cain (@willcain) September 7, 2017
I think lawyers overvalue thinly sliced nuanced arguments when status quo & power guide decisions. But these lawyers think Zeke wins.
— Will Cain (@willcain) September 7, 2017
Was also told court is busy. Meaning if TRO granted could be awhile before case gets on docket. Meaning Zeke plays for most or all of 2017.
— Will Cain (@willcain) September 7, 2017
If you remember, the same thing happened with Brady. His four-game suspension was upheld by an arbitrator, but Brady was granted a stay that allowed him to keep playing while he challenged the ruling in court. Brady ended up playing the entire 2015 season and was eventually suspended for the first four games of 2016.
While domestic violence and alleged ball deflating are in no way similar acts, the process may play out almost identically for Elliott. Perhaps that is what Jerry Jones was referring to recently when he made some remarks that sounded optimistic.
