Goodell did not attend Ezekiel Elliott hearing

[CT Dal Fan]

This is how Zeke's appeal should go, if things made sense:

Zeke: "I'm innocent but can't prove it".
NFL: "We think you're guilty but we can't prove it".

Arbitrator: Let's meet in the middle. Six game suspension reduced to three games. Everybody gets the benefit of the doubt.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

Smells of a predetermined outcome, he is more interested in perception and special interest groups than one man's reputation.

Yep. If something goes wrong he can say it wasn't my fault. Nothing but a snake.

 

[Risen Star]

Nothing like getting to the crux of the matter by no showing.

My boy was railroaded.

 

[Alexander]

Supposedly, it took six months for Zeke to comply to the cellphone request.

And the NFL failed to point that out until now.

 

[ThreeandOut]

Well this may sound nice and all, it wouldn't make a difference. "Before Elliott can file a lawsuit with a plausible chance for success, he must first exhaust the administrative remedies provided by the CBA. If he files before that time, a court would likely dismiss the lawsuit as not yet “ripe,” meaning not ready yet for judicial review."

https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/08/11/ezekiel-elliott-suspension-appeal-legal-process

Given the high hurdle already placed on the appeal by the NFL (I.e. new evidence), they might make the argument that they have for all intents and purposes exhausted their administrative remedies. Since the NFL has already demonstrated in Brady's case that the will immediately file in a favorable jurisdiction after the appeal, they may want to see if the court will allow their filing to supercede the NFL's.

 

[Bigdog]

Josh Brown happened last year.... I think

I believe that it did also. The lawyer however pointed more to deflagate than any other incidents. I am can't remember why though.

 

[speedkilz88]

Given the high hurdle already placed on the appeal by the NFL (I.e. new evidence), they might make the argument that they have for all intents and purposes exhausted their administrative remedies. Since the NFL has already demonstrated in Brady's case that the will immediately file in a favorable jurisdiction after the appeal, they may want to see if the court will allow their filing to supercede the NFL's.

They could also say that the nfl already claimed the appeal would be denied unless new evidence was presented.

 

[ThreeandOut]

Wow, if he didn't even attend the hearing, he has no business suspending him.

Come back, Rozelle.

I want to hear Zekes lawyer tell the judge, "If he did not attend, you must not suspend!"

 

[mahoneybill]

They have botched nearly every investigation they have conducted. They need to stay out of that business and let the severity of punishment depend on what society doles out. This idea that they evaluate based on a preponderance of the evidence versus reasonable doubt is idiotic when the evidence collection is poor and or tainted.

Well stated. I think many of us would feel the same way Zeke does if everything was investigated by the authorities and then he finds himself " branded " due to the ungodly power Goodell has been given . I don't think the players reps ever thought they would be dealing with this type of " he said/she said" justice.

 

[mahoneybill]

I want to hear Zekes lawyer tell the judge, "If he did not attend, you must not suspend!"

Johnny C giving you a Thumbs up from wherever he is .... High or Low......

 

[speedkilz88]

Johnny C giving you a Thumbs up from wherever he is .... High or Low......

Jackie Chiles could do it instead.

 

[punchnjudy]

And the NFL failed to point that out until now.

Despite zeke and his attorney separately asking the league to close the case during the season.

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

Lead investigator doesn't find the only witness credible.

Commissioner who issued the suspension failed to attend meetings with either party.

Four person advisory panel explicitly stated that they did not suspend Zeke.

Looks like responsibility for this suspension is quite the hot potato.

 

[punchnjudy]

Smells of a predetermined outcome, he is more interested in perception and special interest groups than one man's reputation.

The not meeting with her part is also eerily similar to the D.A. barely talking to the nutcase who accused the Duke lacrosse team.

 

[ConstantReboot]

At this point, I wonder if the suspension was reduced to two or even three games if Zeke would just take it to stop all the aggravation or if he's bound and determined to take it to court. If I was innocent, I'd take it all the way.

That might be the case. Zeke might be prevented from taking any further legal actions against the league if he's suspension is reduced. However, I don't think this would apply towards Zeke's family mainly his Dad. His Dad could still sue the league based on gross negligence and that they slandered and defamed the Elliott's name without considering any of the evidence put forth. If thats the case Zeke's team will have a strong case outside anything to do with the NFL's CBA or any contracts that players and owners have to abide it. It can get messy and it surely will be a PR nightmare for the Commissioner and the league.

 

[ConstantReboot]

Supposedly, it took six months for Zeke to comply to the cellphone request.

But why should Zeke do anything to comply with the investigation? He needed to worry about playing football and not worry about the investigations. Heck, the NFL can ask Ohio prosecutors for the evidence that they need....not Zeke.

 

[NorthDalal]

IMO...Jerry should stay out,verbally and legally of this Zeke and Dad,and legal team have plenty of ammo & should aggressively pursue outside court action.
Goodell suggesting he did not participate is actually very good news it allows him and his huge salary an "out" if he has to review the case and reassess the process as inherently unfair and not in keeping with established principles common to U.S. law.

By the way the NFL is sorry for the manner and timing of this case and is setting up a new independent commission to rule on such matters with the requirement participants not be associated with fan love for divisional rivals (Giants!) and an independent commission to insure the rule of law is adhered to,when destroying peoples reputations,taking away their money and ruining their endorsement value.

 

[AmishCowboy]

Probably was intentional to leave room for a reduction in the suspension after personally interviewing each party.

I would hope so

 

[Reverend Conehead]

I want to hear Zekes lawyer tell the judge, "If he did not attend, you must not suspend!"

I love it! You should totally send that to his lawyer in case he doesn't think of it.

 

[Section446]

This is how Zeke's appeal should go, if things made sense:

Zeke: "I'm innocent but can't prove it".
NFL: "We think you're guilty but we can't prove it".

Arbitrator: Let's meet in the middle. Six game suspension reduced to three games. Everybody gets the benefit of the doubt.

NFL doesn't need proof, Goodell is the Alpha and Omega.