Ezekiel Elliott is ending his fight against the NFL.
The Cowboys running back's agents Rocky Arceneaux and Frank Salzano told NFL Media on Wednesday their lawyers are withdrawing any further appeals of his six-game suspension.
"In consultation with the NFLPA and his lawyers, and after careful deliberation and review of the recent Second Circuit decisions, Mr. Elliott has decided to forego any further appeals and will serve the remaining suspension. This decision arises from a practical assessment of the current legal landscape. Mr. Elliott's desire for closure in this matter is in his best interests, as well as the best interests of his teammates, family and friends. This decision is in no way an admission of any wrongdoing, and Mr. Elliott is pleased that the legal fight mounted by him and his team resulted in the disclosure of many hidden truths regarding this matter, as well public exposure of the NFL's mismanagement of its disciplinary process. Mr. Elliott will maximize this time away from the game and come back even stronger both on and off the field. He intends to release a final personal statement in the upcoming weeks and until then we have no further comment."
Elliott sat out his first of six games this past Sunday against the Falcons after the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied his request for an emergency injunction at a hearing Thursday in New York.
A series of injunctions and restraining orders had allowed Elliott, 22, to play before Sunday, but a three-judge panel decided another injunction wasn't in the cards for the Cowboys running back.
Elliott is eligible to return for a Dec. 24 matchup with the Seahawks in Dallas. The Cowboys (5-4) have turned to Alfred Morris, Rob Smith and Darren McFadden in Elliott's absence.
The six-game suspension stems from a domestic violence allegation by Elliott’s former girlfriend in July of 2016. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell initially decided there was enough “persuasive evidence supporting” Tiffany Thompson’s allegations of domestic abuse. Elliott has not faced legal charges in connection with the allegation.
The union immediately appealed Goodell’s suspension decision and Elliott has been able to play while the case works its way through the legal system and led to hard feelings between Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Goodell.