Zeke Elliott has been has been suspended for six games by the National Football League (NFL) for a violation of the League’s domestic violence policy. The suspension process has been long and arduous for both sides. It has since concluded after multiple appeals which have emotionally drained the fans and pundits of both sides.

“He [Jerry Jones] makes more money when the Cowboys do better and he has a responsibility for his company to make more money, and also he has a responsibility to the city of Dallas to give us a winning team,” junior Bear Steinberg said.

Jerry Jones has been under recent criticism for his handling of the suspension. He has threatened to sue both the NFL and fellow owners. This action has led to him being accused of “conduct detrimental to the league.” Subsequently, Jones has had to tread more carefully in his behavior and actions toward the league office. Elliott mainly lost the appeal because under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Roger Goodell can suspend players practically at will for all intent and purposes. However, the biggest loss is still going to be felt on the field with the dismissal of Elliot.

“I mean it’s going to be tough because Zeke is a big part of the program, but I think they’ll have some help with Dak and the rest of the team, but it’s going to be hard,” freshman Nate Serio said.

The “Zeke Effect” is already being felt by the Cowboys. They fell to the Falcons during the first game with his suspension and then to the Eagles in the second. The Cowboys have struggled to rush the ball or score. The vaulted offensive line was helpless without the star running back in pass protection either as Dak Prescott was sacked six times by Adrian Clayborn alone against the Falcons. Prescott continued to scramble for plays against the Eagles as well. Controversy still looms about Elliot’s exile, even while the decision from the League’s New York Office is final.

“I feel like he shouldn’t have really been suspended because there wasn’t like enough evidence to prove he was guilty in the first place,” freshman Crockett Corwin said.

There has never been substantial proof for either side to show guilt or innocence beyond a shadow of a doubt. Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, the NFL is run by Goodell’s rules, not Jones’. Obviously Goodell won this round, but it will be interesting to see if Jones has enough support in the future to confront the commissioner and make meaningful change.