Ezekiel Elliott Questions Christian McCaffrey, Others For Skipping Bowl Games

Christian McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette just opened up one heck of a debate.

Both college football stars have elected to skip their schools’ bowl games as they prepare for the 2017 NFL Draft. McCaffrey announced his decision Monday, prompting a wave of arguments both for and against his move.

Apparently Ezekiel Elliott falls into the latter category. The Dallas Cowboys rookie running back, who played three seasons at Ohio State, tweeted the following Monday afternoon:

All these young guys deciding to skip their bowl games 🤔.I would do anything to play one more time with my brothers in that scarlet and gray

— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) December 19, 2016

One last time to honor your university and one last chance to play with your boys who will be your brothers for life.

— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) December 19, 2016

Elliott, of course, took a similar action to McCaffrey and Fournette by forgoing his senior season to enter the 2016 NFL Draft, and Twitter was quick to point out his hypocrisy.

Cool story, bro. pic.twitter.com/FHr9JAorLX

— Paul Sporer (@sporer) December 19, 2016

you left early dog

— Kyle Bush (@KyTimothyB) December 19, 2016

But Elliott stood his ground, insisting that declaring for the draft after completing a season is quite different than bailing with one game still left to play.

And there is a difference between not coming back for your last year and not finishing your last season.

— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) December 19, 2016

If you still disagree with Elliott’s take, the Cowboys running back did backtrack upon learning that McCaffrey and Fournette both weren’t 100 percent healthy. After all, it’s tough to blame the high-profile running backs for not wanting to risk their NFL futures for non-College Football Playoff bowl games.

My bad though I didn't realize they were already battling injuries. So I guess it makes sense.

— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) December 19, 2016

Still, Elliott’s comments prove this debate over college players leaving early is far from over.

I just know how much I loved my university and the guys I played with. My last game was the most memorable moment from my college career.

— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) December 19, 2016