Report: Ohio woman's accusations of domestic violence against Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott spark criminal investigation
By SportsDayDFW.com
Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott may be on the field for the start of Cowboys training camp come Saturday, but an off-the-field story will hover over him.
A Columbus, Ohio, woman filed two police reports alleging domestic violence by the rookie last week. Elliott has denied the claims and has not been arrested or charged.
But an investigation is underway. According to TMZ, Elliott's accuser has gone to the city prosecutor, which has launched a full investigation into her claims.
The woman, who said she was Elliott's girlfriend and has lived with him, claimed on Friday that Elliott had struck her multiple times over the past week. She also alleged that the former Ohio State star assaulted her while she sat in the driver's seat of her car at 2:35 a.m. Friday, Elliott's 21st birthday.
Elliott was not arrested and no charges were filed because of the woman's statements conflicting with those made by Elliott and witnesses, according to the Columbus police.
"We currently have an open investigation," a rep for the Columbus City Attorney told TMZ Sports.
"We are collecting as much evidence as possible. Once the investigation is complete, our office will determine if there is sufficient evidence to establish probable cause. Basically, whether there is enough evidence to charge him or not."
She was referred to the prosecutor's office in both reports. Elliott also denied living with the woman but said that he paid for her rent and co-signed on her vehicle.
The Dallas Morning News is not identifying the alleged victim.
Elliott has told those close to him that the woman was upset because he wanted to end the relationship, a source told The News. The source also said Elliott has saved text messages from the woman that indicate she will punish him if he breaks up with her. The alleged texts have not been made public.
Elliott is represented in part by his father, Stacy Elliott, who distributed a statement Friday through email.
"The reported allegations and Internet postings regarding our son are completely false," Stacy Elliott said. "Ezekiel has done nothing wrong. The police have investigated this matter, and eyewitnesses have verified the lack of any wrongdoing. The actual evidence in this matter clearly indicates what the real motivation was behind the police being called.
Stacy Elliott has said that his son is cooperating with the police and the NFL. The league will look into the accusations as part of its personal conduct policy, according to an NFL spokesman.
A player doesn't need to be found guilty or even charged in the judicial system to be suspended by the NFL.
If the league investigation determines that its conduct policy was violated, Elliott would be subject to a six-game suspension.
The Cowboys had no comment Friday, but sources confirmed then that club officials were looking into the situation, including if there has been any evidence of abuse in the relationship previously.
Elliott tweeted the following Friday evening: