CANTON, Ohio – On the eve of his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones took a firm stance behind his embattled running back, Ezekiel Elliott.
Jones spoke to reporters about a number of topics Friday afternoon, ranging from his Hall of Fame career to the speech he will give Saturday night. Chief among those topics was the matter of Elliott, who is still undergoing a yearlong NFL investigation for allegations of domestic violence.
"I do not anticipate a suspension," Jones said.
The league's investigation has been ongoing since last July, when allegations against Elliott first surfaced, and it hasn't faded from the spotlight in the year since. The Pro Bowl running back reportedly met with the league before the Cowboys reported to training camp, and he has also been the subject of speculation throughout this summer, as reports have circulated that he may be in line for a suspension this season.
Jones has staunchly stated in the past that there is no merit to the domestic violence allegations. He has also been sure not to insert himself too much into the investigation, except to say that he did not foresee a coming suspension.
"I don't want to, basically, be too – let's say proactive – about how I feel, because that's not going to make any difference here at all. What I don't want to do is hurt things," he said. "But I think that, when you look at everything I'm aware of, that I'm not anticipating a suspension."
Elliott and the Cowboys will practice in Cleveland on Saturday before attending Jones' induction in Canton. From there, they'll return to Oxnard, Calif., for another week of training camp leading into their Aug. 11 preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
