James Ciquera and Ryan Burg
Sports Literature
10/15/17
Sports Article
Article link:
Ezekiel Elliott could begin 6-game suspension after appellate court sides with NFL
Questions:
1. Do you agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot's six game suspension?
2. Should the Cowboys continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court?
3. Does this punishment properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions?
4. What implications does this ruling in the court case have on the rest of the NFL going forward?
1. I do not agree with the 6 game suspension because first of all he was ruled eligible for the season and it is unfair to keep messing with a teams game plan for the season. How are the Cowboys, a 12-4 team last season supposed to adjust every other week to a new decision ruled by the court. Not really much in the article to give someone an opinion about the reinstatement
ReplyDelete2. I think it is Zeke's lawyer not the Cowboys fighting it, but if they want him back, then they should keep fighting.
3. There is no information on the case, so I do not know
4. That Roger Goodell is the man and that players can no longer just get away with things. He is a tough kind of guy, which has made it difficult for players to get by with doing illegal things. It shows he prefers a positive image for the NFL.
Max Mahr
Delete1. Do you agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot's six game suspension?
ReplyDeleteI do not agree. I think that they should of had a deadline for the decision and it should of been made before the season started. Ezekiel needs to be focused and training hard. All these court dates and meetings will distract him and keep him from doing what he does best.
2. Should the Cowboys continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court?
I believe they should keep fighting. Zeik is a very talented player and is showing how he is trying to put this behind him and focus on getting back to the game. If the Cowboys think their is a slim chance of getting anywhere by appealing then they should take the 6 game suspension and he will be back before they know it. If they continue to fight and loose it will cause Zeik to miss more important games.
3. Does this punishment properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions?
Yes since there is hard evidence against him for doing what he did then he deserved a punishment like this. Assault is a serious crime so he should be thankful that he did not get a more serious punishment from the NFL.
4. What implications does this ruling in the court case have on the rest of the NFL going forward?
I think now that he has been punished with a 6 game suspension it shows other players how serious the NFL takes this cases. It shows that if you get in legal issue the NFL will also look into it and you could face game suspensions or more. I believe it has a positive implication on the NFL because it will help players make better decisions moving forward.
Spencer Brockman
Delete1. I do not agree with the courts reinstatement. If they wanted this suspension to happen they should of had a deadline in which they had to make the decision. This whole situation is causing a distraction to the Cowboy's organization as well as Ezekiel Elliot himself. This situation is dragging on and it is not benefitting anyone.
ReplyDelete2. Obviously, Zeke is the Cowboys's best player so yes they should keep fighting. However, the fact that the NFL felt "ashamed" that he was still playing, making them go back on their decision will be very difficult for Elliot's lawyers to accomplish. In addition, if they are fighting but not getting a result, Zeke could be suspended for a longer period of time.
3. Yes, there is evidence of him doing this assault. Therefore, he deserves to be punished. Zeke's popularity will help the public realize how serious assault is and that it needs to stop. He is a role model for many kids and this punishment might change that or help show the ramifications of assault.
4. This court case ruling shows that assault is no longer accepted in the NFL. This will help make players think harder about their actions than they may had before. This will not fully stop players from committing assault but it will help slow down the problem. The NFL has bettered their public image because they don't usually take these assault cases as serious as they did with this one.
1. I agree with the courts' reinstatement of his punishment. Although it makes the gameplan tough for the Cowboys to figure out, I think that the courts' ruling matters more than a couple changes in practice. Whether Ezekiel Elliot should be punished is up to the judges ruling the case, and whether they believe that there is enough evidence to implicate him- I'm not certain from the current given information.
ReplyDelete2. The Cowboys should continue to take legal action in this case. It should be their priority to attempt to keep their player on the field, of course, especially since it is one of their stars. Elliot was an essential part of the Cowboys' strong 2016 season, and from a success-view, the Cowboys may need Elliot. Also, it is worth doing because they do have hope, because Elliot at an earlier point was granted a stay- it may happen again.
3. I don't believe that this punishment is substantial for the alleged actions- people go to prison for domestic violence, and there's no reason besides fame and money that Elliot is being treated any differently. Though the crime is alleged, the ruling for Elliot should be the same as the ruling for anyone who committed this crime.
4. This ruling does set an example for other NFL players. There is, on average, just 7 days between each arrest. This punishment, especially since a star was implicated, should set an example for the rest of the players. It should, at least, slow down the amount of players committing assaults, since it becomes clear to the players, who value 6 games, almost half their season, very highly, that they cannot commit a serious crime without a serious punishment.
1. I do not agree with the courts reinstatement. The Cowboy's are a competitive team and should be focusing on their season. The suspension situation is preventing the team from focusing on what they need to focus on, playing football. Ezekiel's focus is being taken away from the court ruling's on his suspension, because they keep postponing the suspension. They need to make a decision now to relieve the stress and pressure.
ReplyDelete2. Ezekiel should not keep fighting. They are not making any progress. I think it would be better for him to take the 6 game suspension and get it over with to be able to play sooner. Although he is the cowboy's best player, I don't believe they are going to win this case, so getting it over soon would be the best option.
3. Ezekiel deserves this punishment. Assault is a very serious crime and should have a heavy punishment. I honestly think a 6 game suspension might not be enough for what he did. Ezekiel should be punished heavily for his crime an he definitely deserves a 6 game suspension.
4. I think the represents a positive image on the NFL. Being fair and punishing players could be considered unnecessary, but in situations like this, punishment is the best choice and it shows responsibility. The NFL is in good hands in regards to rules and guidelines. Players should never be able to get away with illegal activities just because of their stature. This case represents responsibility with the NFL and shows a positive image for their future.
1. Do you agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot's six game suspension?
ReplyDeleteI think that the appellate court made the right decision when reinstating Ezekiel Elliot’s suspension. They clearly found sufficient evidence that influenced the court to side in favor of Roger Goodell and the NFL
2. Should the Cowboys continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court?
The cowboys have every right to continue their legal action in this case, but at a certain point it looks bad to continuously defend a man who has a crime ridden past. This makes the cowboys look like they do not care that Ezekiel elliot may be a domestic abuser, they just want to win football games.
3. Does this punishment properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions?
I believe this punishment does properly reprimand him for his actions. As said in the article 6 games is the regular suspension for this type of crime, and it is fair that he should have to serve it like anyone else. Personally, I think that 6 games for committing a heinous crime is too little. Too many NFL stars have committed serious crimes, and punishments like these don’t even make them look bad. I read a previous article from the NYTimes about how this suspension might actually be beneficial to Ezekiel Elliot, because it gives him more press, makes Dallas see how much they need him, and can give Zeke leverage in negotiations for future contracts.
4. What implications does this ruling in the court case have on the rest of the NFL going forward?
This implies that no one is above the law. If a young star like Ezekiel Elliot can get a 6 game suspension, anyone can. Roger Goodell continues to influence the league tremendously, some say without sufficient evidence. I think this also furthers the mindset of those who think Goodell abuses the power he has as commissioner.
1. I do agree with the suspension because it seems pretty clear that Elliott is guilty of the charges. I honestly think it should be more than a six game suspension. I think it is honestly quite appalling that NFL players can commit crimes that would put any other person in prison, but they just get a slap on the wrist. If Tom Brady got four games for allegedly deflating footballs with no evidence, then Elliott should get a whole season for domestic assault.
ReplyDelete2. I do not think the Cowboys should appeal this decision. I understand Elliott is probably the best player on the team, but you are defending a guy who is charged with assault and there is sufficient evidence showing what he did. I do not think that "America's Team" should be publicly endorsing the mistreatment of women and advertising that it is ok to treat women with disrespect. I know this is not their intention, but to defend Elliott in front of millions of little kids is honestly more shameful than the other criminals they have employed over the last few years.
3. This is kind of a joke that he is only getting six games. The guy is charged with domestic assault, which would put a normal citizen in prison, but since Elliott can catch the ball out of the backfield and can survey the holes in the O-Line, he is hardly punished. As I said earlier; if Tom Brady got four games for a minor rule violation that had no impact on the game and was not even proven, then how does Elliott only get six. He should at least be suspended for the full season and should get jail time.
4. This ruling gives a the NFL a standard to punish assault with. It's a pretty low standard, but so is the NFL at this point. Josh Gordon was on his way to being one of the greatest receivers ever, and because he smoked weed, he's no longer able to play in the NFL. Tom Brady got four games for deflating a football. These are some pretty heavy punishments, but when a player beats his wife like Greg Hardy, only ten games. When Ezekiel Elliott is charged with domestic assault, six games. The NFL and Roger Goodell are absolutely shameful and a disgrace to the sports world. Adam Silver forced Donald Sterling to sell his franchise for saying racist comments. However, Goodell is far too afraid to lose one viewer that he will make sure his stars play.
1. I do agree with the judges decisions. If the judges feel like the NFL had enough evidence to suspend Elliot for domestic violence then he should definitely be suspended for it because it is part of the player code of conduct. These rules matter more than how it will affect the teams because if teams could get away with everything they would.
ReplyDelete2. I think the Cowboys and the NFLPA should continue to fight this battle in court if they feel the ruling was unfair. However even if they feel the ruling was fair I think they are gonna keep fighting it because Elliot is an important member of their team who makes their season a lot easier if he's able to play.
3. I think it does properly punish Elliot because if the code of conduct says this is the punishment it is probably a fair punishment. Domestic violence is also a very serious issue especially in the NFL so a harsher punishment is important to deter players from doing this in the future.
4. This case shows that the NFL has power over the players and that players have to abide by the NFL's rules if they want to play. It also shows that appeals may not work in the future on domestic violence issues.
1. Do you agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot's six game suspension?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the court's reinstatement. It's evident that Elliot committed the crime he was accused of and the judges have actual evidence to back that up. NFL athletes should be held to the same standard as the ordinary person, and quite honestly, a six game suspension is really nothing in comparison to what he could be facing. The NFL and the Cowboy's roster has nothing to do with it at this point; it has to do with Elliot, a crime he committed, and now the consequences he must suffer for it. He is lucky it isn't worse.
2. Should the Cowboys continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court?
No, this issue is bigger than the Cowboys. If Elliot committed the crime, which he most likely did considering the court rulings, the Cowboys should be punishing and teaching Elliot rather than fighting for him in court, showing him that it is "okay" for him to be doing these things because he is a key part of the team. Now, the Cowboys need to find a way to fill his spot for the time being; they shouldn't have to be so reliant on one person to get the job done. Elliot and the Cowboys need to own up to this and just get the suspension over with so Elliot can return to play as soon as possible without the cloud of suspension hanging over their heads.
3. Does this punishment properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions?
In the big scheme of things, no. A six game suspension isn't going to hurt Elliot and the Cowboys nearly as bad as real punishments would. If Elliot were treated like an everyday citizen, he could face severe charges instead of this six game suspension. He should consider himself extremely lucky. Assault is a serious issue and the NFL can't let it go unnoticed.
4. What implications does this ruling in the court case have on the rest of the NFL going forward?
It sets a standard for the NFL and its players but this whole back and forth situation is a little concerning. If Elliot has been found guilty, which he obviously has been because he has had multiple suspensions put in place. With Zeke being suspended then playing six games, then being suspending again, then being able to come back in week seven, the NFL and the NFLPA show indecisiveness and controversy over a serious problem. This creates a bad image and opens up a door for more violence in NFL players in the future.
1. I agree with the court's decision to reinstate the punishment. There is sufficient evidence to prove that Elliot committed a crime, he should 100% be punished for it. Abiding by the law is more important that an NFL team trying to figure out their weekly game plan.
ReplyDelete2. The Cowboys will definitely fight the case. There is no reason for them not to. They have more than enough money to fight the case, so it would be pretty stupid of the Cowboys to abandon their player and not fight for him.
3. It is a proper punishment. The code of conduct says that this is his punishment, so he should've known from the start what the consequences were. Domestic violence is a crime, and there is no reason for him not to be punished for it.
4. The ruling in the case shows that the NFL is serious about it's players and their actions. Players will hopefully be more disciplined in the future now that they know the consequences are serious even for the best of players.
1. Do you agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliott's six game suspension?
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with the court's reinstatement of Elliott’s six game suspension. The evidence put forth in the case lacked substance and there is nothing that should have led the case to be reinstated. This court decision is unfortunate for Elliot due to the season being more than a 1/3 of the way through.
2. Should the Cowboys continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court?
The Cowboys as a team need Elliott to succeed this season in the NFL. It would make sense for the organization to fight this case in court. The NFL is a highly profiting business which each game raking in millions of dollars. If you break it down the more games a team wins, the likelihood they play more games. More games played means more money for the organization. Elliott is one of the best running backs in the league and arguably the Cowboys best player. This is a good decision by the Cowboys to continue to fight this in court.
3. Does this punishment properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions?
Being that I do not agree with the accusations being made in this case I would have to say no. Again, I believe Elliott makes a very good case for no wrongdoing, and the evidence presented by the prosecutor lacks any weight. Therefore this suspension is ridiculous and I think once the case is properly resolved Elliott and the Cowboys will be extremely frustrated with the NFL.
4. What implications does this ruling in the court case have on the rest of the NFL going forward?
The ruling in this case shows how serious the NFL takes an issue like domestic violence. The NFL’s six game suspension is an extreme punishment for a football player. The lacking in evidence presented in the case, and the what seem to be outrageous claims from the proclaimed “victim” seemed to be enough to cause the NFL to take extreme action. If anything this is a warning to the rest of the league to make sure they do not involve themselves in anything of this nature.
I do agree with the courts reinstatement because if there is enough evidence to suspend Elliot of domestic violence, then he should be. It doesn’t matter whether or not it messes up the teams schedule and practices. An NFL player should not be able to commit crimes that would lock anybody else up for years. The Cowboys should not appeal this decision because it’ll appear disrespectful to those who have been victims of domestic violence. I think Elliot’s punishment properly reprimands him for his alleged actions. NFL players to begin with are kind of let off the hook in situations such as domestic violence. A six game suspension isn’t as severe as the charges anybody else would face. If this is the NFL’s code of conducts punishment for assault, maybe the consequences should be reconsidered. This ruling emphasizes how little the NFL does to punish athletes for being accused of serious crimes. If the consequences aren’t so bad, what’s preventing other athletes from committing crimes too?
ReplyDelete1. Do you agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot's six game suspension?
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the court's reinstatement of the six week suspension because Elliot did commit a crime and should unquestionably receive punishment immediately. Domestic violence is also very serious and Elliot could easily have received worse punishment like jail time, so him and the cowboys can't complain.
2. Should the Cowboys continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court?
I don’t think they should continue to take legal action because it is clear Elliot is guilty and they should just accept the punishment he’s given and move on. I think they want to fight it because Elliot is one of their best players, and they want him to keep playing, but it really looks bad for them to try and defend a person who is so clearly guilty of domestic violence.
3. Does this punishment properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions?
No, I don’t think the punishment Elliot received is enough for the crimes he committed. If he was not a star athlete and just a regular citizen then he would definitely receive much worse punishment for his actions. He could easily be serving time in jail and probably should be. However, in the eyes of Elliot and the cowboys, 6 games is still a big part of the season and it will still make them more aware that bad crimes like this are not to be tolerated.
4. What implications does this ruling in the court case have on the rest of the NFL going forward?
This court case made it clear that the NFL takes issues regarding domestic violence, and the law, very seriously. They want it to be known that there are strict punishments that will be implemented if any player breaks the law. The other teams should watch out now and players should be more careful in their actions because they can easily lose a big part of their season.
1. Do you agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot's six game suspension?
ReplyDeleteI disagree because there is clearly a lack of solid evidence. "The appeal was centered around concerns about the credibility of Elliott’s accuser." They do not even know if Elliot did it.
2. Should the Cowboys continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court?
No, Brady was punished by Goodell after a long fight with better chances so Elliot does not stand a chance.
3. Does this punishment properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions?
"Goodell issued the six-game suspension, the baseline for a first-time domestic violence offender under the personal conduct policy." This is the rule for what happens when one commites domestic violence so this is the proper punishment.
4. What implications does this ruling in the court case have on the rest of the NFL going forward?
"the outcome of this case could have a sweeping impact on player discipline in the future." If Goodell loses then it shows how little control he has.
ReplyDeleteQuestions:
1. Do you agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot's six game suspension?
I do agree with the court’s reinstatement of Elliot's 6 game suspension. He was facing criminal charges before the suspension was first given. Taking this suspension away in the first place was not a good decision, so reinstating it is definitely a good idea. He did something very very wrong, and he must pay for it. And in his case, he is getting out of jail time and serving a six game suspension instead, which still is unfair.
2. Should the Cowboys continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court?
I do not think that the cowboys should continue to take legal action in court because they need to understand that this suspension has to be served, and he cannot just make such a bad decision in life and have no consequence. The cowboys should understand that this is more than football, and actually support this suspension.
3. Does this punishment properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions?
I do not think that this punishment properly reprimands elliot for his alleged actions, because, if it were a non-NFL player, the man might be in jail. He has a very good deal with this 6 game suspension and should serve it without complaints. He did something very wrong and must ha ve consequences.
4. What implications does this ruling in the court case have on the rest of the NFL going forward?
I feel like this ruling is making a statement to NFL players that they will not just let players get away with everything anymore. Them making this ruling is a very good thing for the NFL I feel, because players are now held accountable for their actions. They do not get away scott-free for everything anymore.
1. Do you agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliott's six game suspension?
ReplyDeleteI do agree with appellate court’s reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliott's six game suspension because he should have never had the case dropped in the first place. Obviously, this can affect the cowboys season and hurt their chemistry, but their is clear evidence of Ezekiel's domestic violence and he needs to be punished. We have seen players like Ray Rice who got banned for the NFL for domestic violence and Ezekiel basically got let off the hook. Therefore, Ezekiel should be thankful that it’s only 6 games and serve his suspension.
2. Should the Cowboys continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court?
I believe the cowboys should continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court. Ezekiel Elliot is a really big part to the Cowboys and one of their best players. The Cowboys should do anything in their power to keep him from getting suspended and explain that the court can’t keep changing their minds. It won’t be easy but I’m sure the Cowboys will fight this case.
3. Does this punishment properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions?
I think this punishment does not properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions. So many players have got worse punishments and I think Ezekiel elliot is very lucky that it’s only 6 games. This is a crime that can send you to jail and there is a clear video of him showing his violence and harassment. If I were the NFL I would have suspended Ezekiel at least 10 games because that seems like a reasonable punishment for what he did compared to other players who have been banned from the NFL.
4. What implications does this ruling in the court case have on the rest of the NFL going forward?
The implications that the ruling in this court case have on the NFL going forward is that the NFL has zero tolerance. They will not hesitate to take things to court and suspend players. They want to keep their reputation good and will punish players for crimes like these. This warns other players of what can happen to them and how the NFL takes this very serious.
1. I don't believe the suspension is acceptable because of all the commotion that has gone on previously. The court already ruled he can play this season, there is no need to keep going on about this topic. It makes the Cowboys franchise look worse every time they take the field with this happening. Elliot should be worrying about his playing ability not if he can play or not.
ReplyDelete2. Yes I think the Cowboys should take legal action and fight the court because this case has pretty much already been ruled. The Cowboys and their owner Jerry Jones should take immediate action and really fight this back. Considering that Elliot is one of there best players they also need to think for a football standpoint.
3. The punishment may have been appropriate for the first trial now it seems unacceptable to even try this. First off Elliot is lucky this case did not go in depth further, in my opinion he should be suspended for more games if he is convicted. The actions he has committed could get him in a lot more trouble than he is in right now, he should be in trouble and should have more games upon his suspension spell.
4. The NFL should try and state that this case should be among the last. The NFL has dealt with constant player problems and the players should take ownership and learn there lessons. This should apply to heavier player suspensions to make sure that the rules among every player is enforced. The NFL needs to take a step forward for all this. They need to make sure more players have more respect for what they do. That starts with the owners and the commissioner.
I do not agree with the 6 game suspension. This case has gone on for much longer than it should have. If the court said that he could play this season they shouldn't all of a sudden tell him he's suspended. This not only hurts Elliot but the Cowboys team as a whole. They did not expect this situation to occur which causes them to be less focused on what really matters, playing the game.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this battle is Elliots to fight. The cowboys need to focus on playing, and winning, their games. If Elliot wants to fight the decision in court him and his lawyer can deal with this. If the cowboys want to help they can but they should put most of their focus on their games.
Domestic violence is a serious crime for which prison and other punishment is needed. But I do believe that in this case the punishment is fair. The charges were dropped and he didn't have any punishment. At least he was given the suspension.
This case implicates that the NFL should make stricter rules against situations like this in the future. Any situations involving domestic abuse needs to be prevented. The NFL should state that they do not condone this type of action.
1. I do not agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot's six game suspension. Due to the lack of evidence they had. "The appeal was centered around concerns about the credibility of Elliott’s accuser." They had no hard evidence he did it and it just going off of hearsay.
ReplyDelete2. I dont not think the Cowboys and him should keep on fighting this. I think he should just ride it out. They arnt getting anywhere with fighting and they are just wasting there time. They should just leave it. Many other players like Tom Brady had long trial and got no where, they should learn from him.
3. I think the punishment does fit the crime if he did actually do it. And Elliot is lucky because the punishment could of been a whole lot worse for what is excused of doing. Also he is lucky they haven't found anymore evidence towards him because that could of made his punishment a whole lot worse.
4. The NFL should say that this will be the last of these players problems. The NFL has had so many problems with other playing breaking rules getting a unfair advantage. NFL needs to say how they are going be more strict and not allow something like this to happen again.
Yes i agree he should have a six game suspension because even though he's a NFL start he shouldn't be let off with domestic violence charges. Same reason why the cowboys should take legal actions. A six game suspension is enough and will really hurt their season. Zeke is arguably the Cowboys best player and without him they cant be as successful. I think the NFL doing this shows they take this seriously and it will be an example to other players.
ReplyDelete1. Do you agree with the appellate court's reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot's six game suspension?
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the court’s reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot’s six game suspension. Ezekiel Elliot has a history of committing violent crimes and assaulting his girlfriend.
2. Should the Cowboys continue to take legal action and fight this decision in court?
I don’t think the Cowboys should take legal action. Ezekiel Elliot has a well known history of domestic violence and has committed serious crimes. I believe that it should be left to the court to decide Elliot’s punishment.
3. Does this punishment properly reprimand Elliot for his alleged actions?
I think that Elliot should face a bigger punishment. If Elliot was an average American citizen, he would possibly face up to prison time for his records of domestic violence. I think that Elliot should at least be expelled from the Cowboys because he has already been accused of five incidents since 2016.
4. What implications does this ruling in the court case have on the rest of the NFL going forward?
This could have a huge effect on the Dallas Cowboys NFL team. Ezekiel Elliot is one of their best players on the team, but that doesn’t excuse the fact for all of times he has been convicted in the past.
I could give or take the suspension on Elliot. I think that it is time for a final ruling and be done with it. This suspension discussion has been going on for far too long and I am tired of hearing about it. I do believe that the court should respect the NFL's ruling and reinstate the six game suspension. But I am tired of the appeals and discussion about it.
ReplyDeleteI think it is only right for the Cowboys to keep fighting this. They would be losing their star running back and without him for six straight games, this team might fall apart. So the Cowboys should do everything they can in order to keep Elliot on the field.
I think that the suspension is just enough. The police did not prosecute him and because of that the NFL should make a fair ruling. If the NFL truly finds it necessary to suspend him then that is what they should do. But it is time for a final decision.
This could have a big effect on the Cowboys and the NFL. The Cowboys could lose their star running back and hurt their chances of making the playoffs this year. This could also hurt the NFL because it is currently making them look really bad. If they aren't able to come off with a win in this decision then it is embarrassing and a waste of time for the NFL.