It certainly isn't a secret that the NFL has had issues with how they handle suspensions, specifically pertaining to domestic abuse.

In 2014, Ray Rice was initially suspended by the NFL for two games for domestic violence abuse against his former fiancé. Rice was later dismissed from the Ravens and shortly after a video of the event was released to the public by TMZ. This raised many questions about what information the NFL had available regarding the event that made them believe a two-game suspension was a fitting punishment.

Another high profile incident was Greg Hardy. After being found guilty of domestic battery, Hardy was sentenced to 18 months probation by a judge and a ten game suspension from the NFL. That suspension was later reduced to four games.

Arguably, the most alarming of the major instances of domestic violence in the NFL is John Brown, who was involved in more than 20 physical assaults on his now ex-wife and was initially given a suspension of ONE game before being released by the Giants.

Based on each of these separate events, it is clear that NFL has major issues in what constitutes a violation of their Code of Conduct.

Now the spotlight is on Ezekiel Elliott.

Let me be clear. I am not here to decide if Zeke is guilty or innocent. That is not my job nor my place and it would be ridiculous on my part to act as if I am an expert on the subject. Even so, the exact events that occurred leading up to the incident in 2016 are certainly questionable.

I am not going to give a full recount of the night of July 22, because that is available online if you are so inclined. What I will say, after reading a statement made by the victim's friend on the 22nd, is that the victim is likely lying about what she claimed to have happened on that night. Whether or not abuse happened during the relationship leading up to that day is where the facts become unclear.

Now to discuss the ruling made by the NFL on this matter.

The NFL's policy regarding suspensions indicates that a suspension can occur in instances involving conduct deemed detrimental, even if that conduct does not involve conviction of a crime. As of writing this article, Zeke has been convicted of nothing except being suspended for six games of this NFL season. So, Zeke fits that definition perfectly.

But this opens the NFL up to endless questioning starting with why only six? If the NFL truly found evidence that leads them to believe that Zeke has done what he was accused of, a much more harsh punishment is necessary.

The NFL has poorly handled case after case involving their players and now would be the perfect time to get on the right track. However, I'm also forced to ask what Zeke is being suspended for if he isn't guilty of anything? The rule of law states innocent until proven guilty, so until a judge is brought in and rules that Zeke is guilty as charged, what is he being punished for?

At this point, things get a bit convoluted because my understanding is that courts are ruling on whether the NFL has the right to suspend Zeke, but their ruling doesn't mean he is guilty of assault. It seems as if the amount of trouble this is causing in the long run, it would just be simpler to take Zeke to trial and get a straightforward ruling on his innocence or guilt.

It seems to me that the NFL is trying to cover their bases and act as if they are actually cracking down on the negative actions of their players in the past, but instead it seems as though they are punishing an innocent man.

There seems to be no real reason for a six-game suspension. It, at best, seems as though the NFL is trying to get ahead of an eventual conviction that allows them to act as if they already punished Zeke accordingly, meaning they wouldn't have to force one of the most recognizable faces of the league on their exempt list. This obviously would be a disappointing and disgusting outcome.

None of the three cases I mentioned earlier in this article are playing in the NFL as a direct result of their actions. Until a real answer comes forth in regards to Zeke's alleged domestic abuse, what is he suspended for?

At the moment, Ezekiel Elliott is appealing a six-game suspension, but it appears as though it will remain, which means he will be available again for the Cowboys' week-14 matchup against the Oakland Raiders. Best case scenario at this point for everyone involved, is that the NFL furthers proves it's ineptitude and domestic violence never occurred.

My best guess is that the result won't be as easy as it sounds.