The NFL has upheld Ezekiel Elliott’s six-game suspension, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. However, due to the timing of the decision, Elliott will be able to play in the season opener against the New York Giants.
NFL arbiter Harold Henderson upheld the commissioner’s suspension. Though, since the ruling came after the league’s 4 p.m. deadline for the enforcement of suspensions, Elliott will be eligible to play against the Giants.
According to Pro Football Talk, “Elliott attended a more than two-hour hearing in a Sherman, Texas, courtroom Tuesday in an effort to block the suspension pending outcome of the lawsuit filed by Elliott on Friday. Judge Amos L. Mazzaint III is expected to rule Thursday or Friday on the preliminary injunction motion, per a source.
“Henderson heard the appeal over three days last week, and rendered his decision during court.”
The timing of Henderson’s decision is more than a little suspicious. He clearly had ample time to render the decision before the deadline, a move which would have prevented Elliott from playing Week 1. Yet, he waited until after the deadline to announce the decision.
Why?
While no one knows for sure, except Henderson, the delayed announcement has the effect of ensuring a monster rating on Sunday Night Football. While the Cowboys and Giants will always get a huge rating, having the added drama of Elliott in a singular primetime appearance before serving a six-week suspension will definitely sweeten the pot.
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