Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had his appeal to end his suspension denied by hearing officer Harold Henderson, meaning Peterson would currently be ineligible to play in any games the remainder of this season, and Peterson would not be able to apply for reinstatement until April 15, 2015.
NFL PR man Greg Aiello first released the news, then gave the reasoning for the appeal denied, in Henderson’s words.
Appeals officer Harold Henderson has affirmed the Adrian Peterson discipline…appeal denied.
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) December 12, 2014
HH: I conclude that the player has not demonstrated that the process and procedures surrounding his discipline were not fair and consistent;
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) December 12, 2014
HH: He was afforded all the protections and rights to which he is entitled, and I find no basis to vacate or reduce the discipline.
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) December 12, 2014
What HH upheld in AP case: Suspended w/o pay for at least rest of '14 season; no reinstatement before April 15; forfeit 6 game checks.
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) December 12, 2014
To clarify on AP discipline, it's six 2014 game checks that will be forfeited.
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) December 12, 2014
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) said in a statement that they “expected this outcome, given the hearing officer’s relationship and financial ties to the NFL,” referencing that Henderson is a former NFL executive that spent around 20 years, with the union also saying that it is “considering immediate legal remedies”.
“The decision itself ignores the facts, the evidence and the collective bargaining agreement,” the NFLPA’s statement read in part. This decision also represents the NFL’s repeated failure to adhere to due process and confirms its inconsistent treatment of players.”
ESPN’s Andrew Brandt laid out why there could be further legal action taken by the union, while CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora believes the next legal step could be in federal court.
Appeal denied. Indefinite suspension stands. But more legal action may ensue..
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) December 12, 2014
Appeal denied. Indefinite suspension stands. But more legal action may ensue..
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) December 12, 2014
New NFL conduct policy also has Goodell or his designee as appeal hearing officer.
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) December 12, 2014
We will have more on the story surrounding Peterson’s attempts to return to the playing field as it develops.
Update: Monday, December 15, 10:00 a.m.:
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that the NFLPA has filed a lawsuit challenging the Adrian Peterson decision.
The NFLPA has filed its lawsuit challenging the Adrian Peterson decision in US District Court in Minneapolis.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 15, 2014
The NFL Players Association petition against the NFL in the Adrian Peterson matter is available here.
