Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension was reinstated Thursday after a federal court of appeals lifted an injunction that blocked the suspension.
A federal judge in Texas had previously blocked the suspension, which was allowing Elliott to play while the matter was under appeal. A panel of three judges from the 5th circuit voted 2-1 to reinstate the suspension.
In their full decision (which can be read here), the judges made it clear they feel there was a procedural issue with the way the NFLPA handled the case. The NFLPA filed a motion to block the suspension before the arbitration hearing about Elliott’s suspension had even rendered a decision. There is also a question about the location of where Elliott’s group filed their motion.
Elliott still could explore further legal options, such as filing a request for a temporary restraining order in New York.
Elliott was suspended six games by the league for a violation of the Personal Conduct Policy relating to his involvement in domestic violence allegations made by his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors in Ohio opted not to charge him after investigating the case.
