The NFL sent Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones a letter accusing him of “conduct detrimental to the league’s best interests” over his objection to a contract extension for commissioner Roger Goodell, reports ESPN.
The Associated Press obtained the letter, sent to Jone’s attorney, David Boies, who Jones hired and threatened to sue the NFL if Goodell’s contract extension was approved by the compensation committee, which is made up of six owners, reports ESPN. The letter accused Jones of sabotaging the negotiations. All 32 owners previously voted unanimously in May to let the committee finalize a deal with Goodell.
The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal first reported the letter, which was written by outside counsel for the compensation committee. It was given to the AP anonymously because it was not intended to be made public, reports ESPN.
This is just the latest escalation of a feud between the NFL and Jones, who is one of the league’s most powerful owners. The feud started after Goodell suspended Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott for six games over alleged domestic violence, reports ESPN. But Jones denies that his objection to the extension is tied to this decision. He instead argues that he has issues with compensation in the deal, along with concerns about the way the league has handled players protesting during the national anthem.
“Your client’s antics, whatever their motivation, are damaging the league and reflect conduct detrimental to the league’s best interests,” the letter said, according to ESPN.
Despite the tension between Jones and the league, the rumors that Jones could be ousted or removed as Cowboys owner for his actions has been denied by a handful of high-ranking team executives, reports ESPN.
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