Monday morning Cris Carter went on Fox Sports and told the world he had inside information from the league on the NFL’s investigation into Ezekiel Elliot.

"In the next 48 hours, I would be shocked if Zeke was not suspended." — @criscarter80 pic.twitter.com/aHyoxfjrw0 — UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) August 7, 2017

“In the next 48 hours I would be shocked if Zeke was not suspended.” Carter added: “Based on the information that’s going to come out, it’s going to be fairly easy to determine that something happened to this woman in her four days of being with Zeke. “This is just pure . . . either assault, or domestic violence. I’m being sensitive because there is a victim here.”

This story went viral, meriting a response from Commissioner Roger Goodell himself. Via Pro Football Talk, Goodell said, “I don’t think Cris has anything to do with the decision. We haven’t made any decisions yet.”

The NFL’s investigation into Elliot continues despite Jerry Jones banging the drum for his Pro Bowl running back to be exonerated. Rumors continue to circulate about Elliot and a possible suspension to start the 2017 season while Jones repeatedly states he doesn’t believe Elliot will be suspended. Of course, he’s also said a decision was imminent more than a few times over the past several weeks. The delay in a decision from the year-long investigation is allowing everyone to flesh out their opinions, and occasionally those everyones have platforms.

Jones has gone on record as stating there was no domestic violence involved and the league’s investigation has more to do with a pattern of behavior that could qualify as conduct detrimental to the league.

He stated so, very clearly, to SiriusXMNFL in late July.

I think we’ll have a decision imminently. Of course, I don’t know what that will be, and wouldn’t want to have conjecture, in any way, involving that. What I have seen though, is the presentation of Zeke and his people, and I’ve seen the league’s presentation. There’s no domestic violence involved here.

He also reiterated that point on NBC’s broadcast of the Hall of Fame game last Thursday.

Goodell meanwhile has a well-documented history of misdirection, especially when player discipline is involved, so there isn’t a lot that can be gleaned from the back and forth in the news this morning. Thankfully, Carter did mention that this should take place in the next 48 hours. Therefore a resolution to this portion of the elongated inquisition will come quickly.

The bigger picture, though, remains cloudy.

The league has indicated they are waiting on the recommendation of a four-person panel, which was privy to the evidence presented by both the league and the rebuttal from Elliott’s team. They will advise Goodell, who will have final say so over the punishment. Elliott will have the opportunity to appeal the league’s decision, and also pursue legal action if necessary.