ST: Jerry Jones fires first in potential war with NFL over Ezekiel Elliott

[jobberone]

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reiterated his belief Sunday that star running back Ezekiel Elliott is not guilty of domestic violence and that the NFL has no case against him. Seth Wenig AP

CLARENCE HILL
JULY 23, 2017 7:20 PM
Jerry Jones fires first in potential war with NFL over Ezekiel Elliott
BY CLARENCE E. HILL JR.

chill@star-telegram.com OXNARD, CALIF.


There was an idea heading into Dallas Cowboys training camp that the start of actual football might bring an end to an off-season full of distractions — or at least offer a brief respite.

But if the first day was any indication, the fireworks have only just begun.

Owner Jerry Jones, as only he could, downplayed the team’s litany of off-field issues by comparing it to the 1990s when the Cowboys won three Super Bowls with problem players such as Michael Irvin, Charles Haley and Nate Newton.

Jones also appeared to declare war against the NFL with his impassioned support of continually-in-trouble running back Ezekiel Elliott.

Per multiple reports, the NFL has finally ended its year-long investigation into domestic violence accusations brought against Elliott by a former girlfriend.

The Columbus (Ohio) attorney’s office dropped the case because of “conflicting and inconsistent” information. Elliott has maintained his innocence.

ESPN recently reported that Elliott should brace for a one or two-game suspension. Jones used the team’s first press conference of training camp Sunday to double down on his belief that Elliott did nothing wrong.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, NOT ONE THING, THAT I’VE SEEN THAT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.​

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/clarence-hill/article163225413.html

 

[jobberone]

Pic big enough for you Jerry fans?

 

[superonyx]

It's awful how journalists get to write an article and make so many negative statements that never have to be backed up or proven. Again and again you read how Zeke is the always in trouble running back. Now Jerry is creating drama with the league. Where is the article that praises Jerry for standing up to the league. Instead they make the implication that Zeke is guilty and Jerry just wants drama. Awful.

 

[AmericanCowboy]

Jerry is absolutely right! What are you going to suspend the guy for? Being lied about?

Even the bar situation: Are you going to suspend the guy for getting into an argument with someone?

Zeke may be a jerk, he may be an awful person-but you can't suspend him. I'm glad to see he isn't backing down.

Now, if the team wants to suspend him for a pattern of behavior, that is different. But the NFL needs to stay out of it.

 

[Longboysfan]

It's awful how journalists get to write an article and make so many negative statements that never have to be backed up or proven. Again and again you read how Zeke is the always in trouble running back. Now Jerry is creating drama with the league. Where is the article that praises Jerry for standing up to the league. Instead they make the implication that Zeke is guilty and Jerry just wants drama. Awful.

Accountability on a reporter putting things out - zero....

 

[Longboysfan]

Jerry is absolutely right! What are you going to suspend the guy for? Being lied about?

Even the bar situation: Are you going to suspend the guy for getting into an argument with someone?

Zeke may be a jerk, he may be an awful person-but you can't suspend him. I'm glad to see he isn't backing down.

Now, if the team wants to suspend him for a pattern of behavior, that is different. But the NFL needs to stay out of it.

Maybe we can suspend Mara for being a jerk.

 

[haleyrules]

wth. The season can not start soon enough.

 

[NorthwestDallas40]

If you listen/read Jerry's comment closely, he carefully says there is nothing to do with the "domestic violence." However, he does not mention anything about a personal conduct policy violation. Which is what Goodell will suspend Zeke for, due to an accumulation of incidents. It's BS, but not quite as defensible by Jerry.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

Go get them Jerry.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

If you listen/read Jerry's comment closely, he carefully says there is nothing to do with the "domestic violence." However, he does not mention anything about a personal conduct policy violation. Which is what Goodell will suspend Zeke for, due to an accumulation of incidents. It's BS, but not quite as defensible by Jerry.

And most of that is stupid too unless charges are filed in that fight. The only thing I can see they can get him on is pulling that woman's top down.

 

[BotchedLobotomy]

If what JJ says is true and that there is nothing in the report and the NFL suspends Zeke anyways, the NFL is starting down a really slippery path. First of all, by suspending a player based on a lie that was collaborated by witnesses is just plain wrong. Secondly, if the reports are true that some NFL owners are lobbying hard for the NFL to suspend Zeke, this is outrageously wrong and it's not a precident the NFL should set.

 

[AbeBeta]

It's awful how journalists get to write an article and make so many negative statements that never have to be backed up or proven. Again and again you read how Zeke is the always in trouble running back. Now Jerry is creating drama with the league. Where is the article that praises Jerry for standing up to the league. Instead they make the implication that Zeke is guilty and Jerry just wants drama. Awful.

They are reporting what the woman claimed. Why would you take that as reporting it as true?

 

[diefree666]

They are reporting what the woman claimed. Why would you take that as reporting it as true?

IT is worded so that you think she is telling the truth. Clearly slanted.

 

[Lutonio]

If what JJ says is true and that there is nothing in the report and the NFL suspends Zeke anyways, the NFL is starting down a really slippery path. First of all, by suspending a player based on a lie that was collaborated by witnesses is just plain wrong. Secondly, if the reports are true that some NFL owners are lobbying hard for the NFL to suspend Zeke, this is outrageously wrong and it's not a precident the NFL should set.

This is a precedent set long before the mess with Elliot.

 

[AbeBeta]

IT is worded so that you think she is telling the truth. Clearly slanted.

Sounds more like you are the one who is slanted here

 

[BotchedLobotomy]

This is a precedent set long before the mess with Elliot.

I don't think I have ever heard reports of other owners lobbying the NFL to suspend a player. It may have happened but certainly not publicly.

 

[Lutonio]

I don't think I have ever heard reports of other owners lobbying the NFL to suspend a player. It may have happened but certainly not publicly.

Dan Patrick talked about it in the original story. He said he was told that it's common practice and happens all the time. You better bet they pushed to get Brady.

 

[JohnsKey19]

Good sign this means Jerry won't fold and simply take one on the chin if Zeke is suspended.

 

[Trouty]

Good sign this means Jerry won't fold and simply take one on the chin if Zeke is suspended.

Let's hope, but it does somewhat look that way, John!

Let's hope, brother.

Well, actually, let's hope we don't have to wonder if Jerruh steps up

 

[Deep_South]

The NFL should stick to football and let law enforcement handle lawbreaking. Goodell should be fired for this nonsense and replaced by someone who isn't a frustrated gestapo wannabe.