Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott suspended 6 games after controversial domestic violence investigation

The Dallas Cowboys' star running back, Ezekiel Elliott, has been suspended for six games by the NFL after being accused by an ex-girlfriend of domestic violence in July 2016, ESPN reports.

The Columbus, Ohio, City Attorney's Office had declined to pursue domestic violence charges against Elliott last year, citing "conflicting and inconsistent information." Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has defended Elliott and told ESPN he is "furious" about the decision.

In their official statement, the NFL said league investigators "examined all evidence, including photographic and digital evidence, thousands of text messages, and other records of electronic communication." Bleacher Report notes that "despite the lack of legal ramifications, the NFL holds the right to punish players even without charges due to its personal conduct policy."

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Elliott is expected to appeal; if he does not, his suspension will run from Sept. 2 through Oct. 23. Read the full statement below. Jeva Lange