Adrian Peterson Comments on Not Appearing at NFL Disciplinary Hearing

Adrian Peterson's stay on the exempt list may not end any time soon after the Minnesota Vikings running back missed a scheduled disciplinary hearing with the NFL on Friday.

On Sunday morning, Peterson released a statement through NFLPA.com:

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The report that I backed out of a meeting with the NFL is just not true. When Roger Goodell's office asked that I attend the 'hearing' on Friday, I consulted with my union and learned that this 'hearing' was something new and inconsistent with the CBA.  On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this past week, my union sent emails, letters, and had conversations with his office on my behalf asking about the nature of the hearing, how it was to occur, who would participate, and its purpose. We repeatedly asked them to respond quickly to my questions because I want to cooperate and get back on the field, but they didn't respond until late Wednesday evening, and even then they didn't answer important questions about their proposed 'hearing.'

After consulting with the union, I told the NFL that I will attend the standard meeting with the Commissioner prior to possible imposition of discipline, as has been the long-term practice under the CBA, but I wouldn’t participate in a newly created and non-collectively bargained pre-discipline 'hearing' that would include outside people I don't know and who would have roles in the process that the NFL wouldn't disclose.  At this point, I've resolved my matter in the criminal court; I've worked to make amends for what I've done; I've missed most of the season, and I stand ready to be candid and forthcoming with Mr. Goodell about what happened. However, I will not allow the NFL to impose a new process of discipline on me, ignore the CBA, ignore the deal they agreed to with me, and behave without fairness or accountability.  The process they are pushing is arbitrary, inconsistent, and contrary to what they agreed to do, and for those reasons, I never agreed to the hearing.

I'm sorry for all of this, but I can't excuse their refusal to be fair.

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CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora also reported Sunday morning that Peterson could still be penalized before Week 12:

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Adrian Peterson opted not to appear at Friday's disciplinary hearing with NFL officials in regards to his child abuse case, but league sources indicated the review of his penalties could still wrap up prior to Week 12. Peterson will not play in Week 11 and remains on the league's Commissioner Exempt List, being paid in full, with a hearing set for Monday to determine his status on that list. ...

... After Monday's hearing with the system arbitrator, it could be determined that Peterson must be taken off that list, but that does not mean he will immediately put back on the active roster. Commissioner Roger Goodell could rule that he should face further discipline in terms of fines and/or suspensions under the personal conduct policy.

League sources have stressed that Peterson's legal team has refused to turn over documents they have requested and the former All-Pro's absence from last week's hearing prevented the NFL from being able to ask certain face-to-face questions.

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ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the news of Peterson missing the hearing Saturday:

Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman later weighed in on what missing the hearing means going forward:

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Peterson will have a conference call with the league Monday:

According to Schefter, the Monday call differs from Friday's scheduled hearing in that the Friday meeting "would have been for a disciplinary decision on Peterson’s past and future."

A league official told Schefter that the NFL Players Association was unable to meet on Friday. The NFL then told the NFLPA that it wouldn't reschedule the disciplinary hearing for next week, in part because both Peterson and the NFLPA mentioned wanting to reach a quick conclusion to this whole affair.

"We had hoped that Adrian would take advantage of his opportunity to be heard and present whatever information he believes should be considered before a decision on discipline, counseling and services is made," the official said, per Schefter. "Because he and the NFLPA elected not to do so, we will have to address this based on the information currently available to us."

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The NFLPA and Peterson's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, contend that Peterson has been cooperative and followed Texas state laws in regard to the information he's supplied the league surrounding his child abuse case in which he reached a plea agreement with local prosecutors. The plea carried with it a $4,000 fine and 80 hours of community service. Peterson avoided potential jail time.

"I'm just glad this is over," Peterson said at the time, per ESPN.com. "I can put this behind me, and me and my family can move forward."

The 2012 MVP has appeared in just one game this season, as Commissioner Roger Goodell placed him on the exempt list back in September after the child abuse claims became known.

While remaining barred from team activities, Peterson's received his full salary from the team this year.