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Jerry Jones War on Roger Goodell Sparked By Ezekiel Elliott

By Erik Lambert

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Owner Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys stands on the sidelines before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Owner Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys stands on the sidelines before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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One of the fastest developing stories in the NFL is the status of Commissioner Roger Goodell and the war Jerry Jones is waging to get him ousted.

Barely a few months ago it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Goodell would receive a contract extension. One that would keep him in charge through 2024. In fact the owners voted in unanimously. Then things started to change. A wave of controversies has struck the league in recent months and its eating into their popularity. There’s the ongoing concussion issue and the Colin Kaepernick anthem protests.

A rogue group of owners, led by Jones believes Goodell has done a poor job handling these situations to a point where they’re seeking to at least put a half on the extension pending further review. Some feel though that Jones is aiming to have him removed all together, and it’s not because of the issues listed. Many believe the Dallas Cowboys owner is fed up with reckless wielding of his commissioner powers. Specifically in regards to punishing players.

According to Peter King of the MMQB there is belief that all of this started when Goodell persisted in his attempts to having running back Ezekiel Elliott suspended for six games.

Jones ready to take legal action if the league tries to finish contract

"“Jones has consistently denied that he turned anti-Goodell after the Aug. 11 suspension of star Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott for six games after a yearlong domestic violence investigation. But in an Aug. 9 dinner meeting the source refers to, Jones, connected to the meeting via telephone, did not raise concerns about the Goodell extension, the source said. “Once the suspension came down,” another source with knowledge of the committee’s deliberations said Saturday, “Jerry’s attitude changed completely. That tipped him against Roger.”"

Even before that Jones was outspoken about some of the harsh treatments players were getting from the league office. Often despite underwhelming evidence of their guilt. Tom Brady and the Deflategate scandal being a big one. It wasn’t until the crusade to get Elliott that Jones really started to turn up the heat. That’s not surprising. Most people don’t hit back until they feel directly threatened.

Elliott is second in the NFL with 783 yards rushing. He’s on course for 1,980 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns. Dallas is 5-3 and trying to keep up with the NFC-leading Philadelphia Eagles. Losing their biggest offensive weapon at this point could be a killer for their season. So it’s little wonder Jones is looking to hit back at Goodell. No doubt he sees this as sabotage by the NFL to his teams’ Super Bowl hopes.

This brings back memories of the late, great Al Davis. As owner of the Oakland Raiders he went to war many times with former commissioner Pete Rozell. This is different though. Davis never tried to get Rozell fired. Jones seems to be willing to go that extra mile.

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