Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott suspended over domestic abuse

The move came after a yearlong league investigation into claims he abused his then-girlfriend in Ohio in 2016.

Prosecutors decided not to charge Elliott, but the league's inquiry found substantial evidence showing physical confrontations with his ex-girlfriend.

The 22-year-old footballer has three days to appeal the decision.

According to a statement by the National Football League (NFL), Elliott will be suspended without pay for "violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy".

According to ESPN, the suspension also voids the guarantees in his four-year - nearly $25m (£19.2) contract - with the Cowboys.

The statement described the year-long "extensive investigation" by the league, in which they reviewed "thousands of text messages", spoke to medical experts, witnesses and the victim herself.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell consulted with a team of advisers, the statement says, adding that they were present along with Elliott's legal team when he was interviewed by league officials during a meeting on 26 June 2016 in New York City.

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Tiffany Thompson, who alleges the abuse, described her relationship with the star athlete as "toxic".

She claims that he attacked her five separate times in July 2016 in Columbus, Ohio.

Prosecutors chose not to press charges after witnesses made conflicting statements and found evidence that Ms Thompson had asked friends to lie about one of the encounters.

But despite the decision by the attorney general, NFL officials said they found "substantial and persuasive evidence" of domestic assault.

In Elliott's rookie year with the Cowboys he scored 15 touchdowns and ran the ball for 1,631 yards, setting a team record for a new recruit.

The NFL has been rocked by several domestic abuse scandals in recent years.