Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has been suspended for the first six games of the new season, the NFL has confirmed.
The ruling follows a probe into domestic violence allegations against the second-year running back, an on-field star last season as a rookie.
An NFL statement read: "Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys was notified today by the NFL that he will be suspended without pay for the team's first six 2017 regular-season games for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy.
"League investigators interviewed more than a dozen witnesses, including Ms. Tiffany Thompson, who had alleged multiple instances of physical violence in July 2016, and Mr. Elliott. Pursuant to the Personal Conduct Policy, Commissioner (Roger) Goodell sought the views of four external advisors to assist him in evaluating potential violations.
"In a letter to Elliott advising him of the decision, Todd Jones, the NFL's Special Counsel for Conduct, said these advisors 'were of the view that there is substantial and persuasive evidence supporting a finding that (Elliott) engaged in physical violence against Ms. Thompson on multiple occasions during the week of July 16, 2016'."
Dallas got to the play-offs last year and are 12/1 chances with Sky Bet to win Super Bowl 52.
Elliott stands to miss games against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers. He would be eligible to return against division rivals the Washington Redskins on October 29.
Elliott, who ran for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2016 and was named as a first-team All-Pro, has three days in which to appeal against the decision.
