Cowboys' Elliott shines on the field despite threat of suspension

It was just another 100-yard game for Ezekiel Elliott who ran like a carefree Dallas Cowboys rusher on Sunday and not the polarizing player who is facing potential suspension from the National Football League.

Elliott suited up for the Cowboys' season-opening 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, after a court injunction froze a six-game ban from the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

The second-year player rushed for 104 yards on 24 carries and was a dominant force throughout the night against the Giants.

Elliott was banned by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last month after a 13-month investigation into allegations of assaulting his former girlfriend.

"It just feels good to be out here with these boys," Elliott told reporters after the contest.

"It’s definitely been a tough last 14 months.

"Your name is getting dragged through the mud. Being associated with (the accusations), that’s tough."

Elliott, who also made five catches for 36 yards against the Giants, has maintained his innocence and was neither arrested nor charged over the allegations.

The NFL Players Association filed a restraining order seeking to block any suspension for Elliott, and a Texas judge ruled the player didn't receive a fair hearing during his appeal against the ban.

"I’m relieved that I’ll finally get a fair trial and a chance to prove my innocence,” said Elliott, who won the NFL's rushing crown as rookie in 2016.

"I’m glad I’m able to be with these guys for as long as it’s permitted, and not having to miss time and be away from them."

AFP