Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones insists potential NFL lawsuit not related to Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says his objection to a contract extension for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is not because of star running back Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension over alleged domestic violence.

Jones said on his radio show Friday he wants all 32 owners to have a chance to approve the deal being negotiated between Goodell and the compensation committee, which includes six NFL owners.

Jones is not on the committee and has threatened to pursue the NFL if the proposed extension goes ahead.

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"I basically feel this extension of Roger should go and be reviewed and approved by all the owners, not just a few of the owners," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas.

"The committee that basically negotiates the salary with our commissioner is taking the view, especially the chairman, that they in a limited group can complete this agreement. I disagree."

The NFL has said owners already voted unanimously to extend Goodell's contract and authorise the committee to work out the deal.

Jones said circumstances have changed since that May vote, including the escalation of the protests involving the national anthem.

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"This is simply about making sure that all clubs have input into not only the commissioner [and] his extension, but also in future years, his decisions," Jones continued.

"We all see how impactful a commissioner's decision can be in many areas. We've given him a lot of power.

"I think we need the checks and balances of ownership having to actually be in a position to not just suggest but approve of his decisions. So that's what this is about.

"Every owner should be able to have, relative to the commissioner's pay, the discretion of hiring him or not hiring him. Every owner should shake his hand and look him in the eye."

Jones also said "behavioural policies" have been an issue since May.

Elliott was suspended in August but Jones is adamant that is not the reason for his opposition to Goodell's extension.

"The facts are, the issues that involve the commissioner are far more reaching," Jones told the Cowboys' flagship network. "I've been dealing with this commissioner for almost 28 years, as an employee of the NFL. Zeke's been involved here a year, a year-and-a-half.

"Those are really separate issues as to Zeke. The policy that we have that has impacted Zeke is more of my issue with the commissioner, more so than Zeke's particular circumstance."

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