Sure enough, in her ruling Failla writes that the Brady decision “rejected arguments similar to those here and ordered confirmation of the arbitration award.” As both Brady and now Elliott have learned, the broad authority granted to the NFL commissioner under Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement—the person in that office has the power to both issue discipline and hear the appeal, or designate the arbitrator who will do so—is difficult to overcome.
While the NFL has scored a big victory in its latest court battle, it’s not so cut and dried for Goodell himself. In disciplining Elliott, he’s strained his relationship with one of his greatest and most influential allies in Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. As recently as last summer, Jones declared the job Goodell has done as “triple A-plus great” and said he would be commissioner “as far as I can see into the future.” But with a pending contract extension through 2024 for Goodell, ESPN reported this weekend that Jones is leading a coalition of owners that have discussed halting those negotiations.
The ESPN report named myriad reasons, including the ongoing anthem issue that many owners believe is threatening business. But Jones’ displeasure over the league’s, and Goodell’s, handling of the discipline for one of his most important players no doubt is prominent in his mind.
Even more certain is that any game Elliott misses would only serve to stoke the wrath of Jones. He considers himself the most influential owner in the league, even if he hasn’t been able to exert that influence when it comes to how the NFL is handling players kneeling for the national anthem. The question now is, how will Jones exert his power as it pertains to the future of Roger Goodell?
Article Appeared @https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/10/31/ezekiel-elliott-suspension-appeal-dallas-cowboys-roger-goodell