Report: Jerry Jones confronted NFL investigator in Ezekiel Elliott case
No charges were filed against Ezekiel Elliott after he was accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend back in July, but the NFL continues to investigate the situation. From the sound of it, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would like that investigation to end.
Jane McManus of espnW.com reports that several people witnessed Jones raise his voice at Lisa Friel, the NFL’s lead domestic violence investigator, during the recent NFL owners’ meetings in Houston. Jones wanted to speak with Friel about Elliott’s domestic violence case, allegedly remarking that he understands these types of cases are her “bread and butter.”
Jones said he recognized that investigations were her bread and butter and ended the conversation with: “Your bread and butter is going to get both of us thrown out on the street,” according to ESPN The Magazine reporter Seth Wickersham, who witnessed the encounter, which was reported by Outside the Lines. Other witnesses downplayed Jones’ intensity.
A public relations person immediately led Jones out of the hotel bar. An NFL spokesperson said there aren’t any rules against this kind of interaction.
A previous report said Jones tried to discuss the case with Friel but she ignored him, though there was no mention of Jones raising his voice or becoming visibly upset.
The NFL cannot afford to botch another domestic violence investigation, which is why Friel — the same person who helped come up with the decision to suspend New York Giants kicker Josh Brown just one game — is going to take her time. Elliott is one of the main reasons the Cowboys are 7-1 and in first in the NFC East, so Jones is likely terrified of his team losing the rookie to a suspension.
Elliott’s ex-girlfriend, Tiffany Thompson, shared some disturbing photos on social media in July and accused Elliott of assaulting her. Prosecutors did not find enough evidence to charge the former Ohio State star, but the NFL reserves the right to hand out disciplinary action after its independent probe.
H/T CBS Boston