Ezekiel Elliott and the NFL are engaged in a war that could last the better part of a year, and there are conflicting reports about whether or not the two sides have explored the possibility of a settlement.
Sources told David Moore of the Dallas Morning News that Elliott’s camp and the NFL have floated the idea of a settlement, though the “level of sincerity” surrounding the discussions is unclear. Moore believes a settlement would make sense for a few reasons:
It can be argued both sides have inflicted enough harm on the other at this stage to be amenable to a settlement. Elliott can claim a reduced suspension is an admission that the NFL overreached, not an admission of guilt on his part. The NFL can acknowledge it made procedural mistakes in the investigation and process and avoid a potential negative ruling that would undermine future discipline.
While those may be valid points, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Elliott has no interest in settling, as the star running back is determined to completely clear his name.
sources close Ezekiel Elliott and NFLPA claim no interest or knowledge of settlement talks. Fighting to clear his name, not just cut games
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) October 19, 2017
if there are talks, they are between Jerry Jones and Roger Goodell themselves, per source https://t.co/lyPbrVys0W
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) October 19, 2017
Elliott won the latest battle in court and was granted a temporary restraining order, which will allow him to play this weekend. The next step will be for a judge to decide within the next two weeks whether Elliott’s six-game suspension will stand or he will be granted a preliminary injunction.
Obviously, the nature of Elliott’s case is quite sensitive. If a settlement would involve him admitting he is in any way guilty of domestic violence, he probably isn’t interested. That said, there have been plenty of indications that the 22-year-old wants to put the case behind him.
