The lawsuit said the union and Elliott’s representatives plan to file for a temporary restraining order in hopes of making the running back eligible for the season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 10.
The lawsuit also cited Henderson’s refusal to require Goodell to testify. According to the labor agreement, Goodell can choose from a list of arbitrators for appeals.
The NFL’s personal conduct policy was heavily criticized three years ago for their handling of Baltimore Raven’s player Ray Rice’s domestic violence case. Rice was filmed punching his
then fiancee in the head in an elevator, knocking her unconscious. Rice was dropped from the Ravens and has not been signed since.
According to the letter Elliott received informing him of the suspension three weeks ago, the NFL believed he used “physical force” three times in a span of five days in a Columbus, Ohio, apartment last July resulting in injuries to Thompson’s face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, wrists, hips and knees.
The Star-Telegram reported that Thompson allegedly made a number of threats to Ezekiel after he told her not to come to his house on July 21, 2016. Thompson reportedly told Elliott in a text message: “Ok this is what you want? Ok then, I’m going to ruin your life. You will see. If I was you, I wouldn’t go out tonight.”
Prosecutors in Columbus decided about a year ago not to pursue the case in the city where Elliott starred for Ohio State, but the NFL kept the investigation open. The league said its conclusions were based on photographs, text messages and other electronic evidence.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones did not comment on the case but said he would at a later time. “Believe you me, I will,” Jones said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.