Ezekiel Elliott's lawyer wants the NFL to end its investigation of domestic violence allegations against the Cowboys' rookie running back.
Not only that, attorney Frank Salzano blames the media for continuing to bring attention to Elliott even though he was never charged following an investigation in Ohio last summer.
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A statement released Monday night from Salzano (via USA Today) read:
“For the past several days the media has elected to focus on allegations of domestic violence involving Mr. Elliot despite the Columbus, Ohio Prosecutor’s Office decision not to charge Mr. Elliott nearly two months ago. As previously reported, the prosecutor's office conducted a thorough seven-week investigation whereby in their own words they 'dotted every I and crossed every T' and concluded there was no credible evidence to file any charges against Mr. Elliott. My office provided a mountain of exculpatory evidence demonstrating Mr. Elliott's innocence and directly contradicting all of the false allegations contained in the Accuser’s two police reports as first reported on July 22, 2016.
“Yet the media has chosen to deflect the recent negative press regarding the NFL's reported mishandling of several domestic violence matters by focusing on the NFL's prolonged investigation of Mr. Elliott. The NFL’s interview of Mr. Elliott was conducted over four weeks ago and went unreported at the time as it was then, and still remains a non-story. It is league protocol to conduct a separate investigation whenever there are allegations of domestic violence by one of its players.
“We firmly believe that the NFL should promptly close its investigation which is only open because of their apprehensiveness stemming from the recent scrutiny it has come under for its handling of other domestic violence matters. Notwithstanding the forgoing, we remain firm that the NFL will clear Mr. Elliott of any wrongdoing and this matter can be finally put to rest.”
A prosecutor who reviewed allegations of abuse told USA Today it's his opinion that Elliott had violent interactions with his accuser even though Elliott was cleared by the city attorney.
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Although not named in the statement, it's believed Elliott's attorney is referencing the case of former Giants kicker Josh Brown, who was given a one-game suspension amid allegations of domestic violence, only to be put on the commissioner's exempt list and ultimately released by the Giants when evidence of more abuse surfaced.
CBS Sports recently reported Elliott could receive a lengthy suspension pending the completion of the NFL's investigation into his case.