Adrian Peterson's Appeal Denied by NFL, Will Reportedly File Lawsuit vs. League

Matt FitzgeraldNov 20, 2014

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has lost his suspension appeal regarding child abuse charges from earlier this year.

Peterson Appeals Suspension
Goodell Gives Up Rights to Make Final Decision
Vikings Conflicted on Potential Peterson Return
Peterson's Appeal Concludes Dec. 2
Troy Vincent Called to Give Testimony
Peterson Appeal Denied
Peterson Case Scheduled for February
Larry Fitzgerald Comments on Peterson
Eric Winston Comments on Peterson's Court Date
Peterson Has Reinstatement Hearing

Continue for updates.

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Peterson Continues Counseling, Works to Maintain Joint Custody

Tuesday, Feb. 10

Brian Murphy of the Pioneer Press reported Peterson is continuing counseling as he works to maintain joint custody of his son:

"
Adrian Peterson is working in Minnesota to maintain joint custody of his 4-year-old son and fulfill league commissioner Roger Goodell's conditions for reinstatement.
As he waits for a federal judge to rule on his NFL suspension, the Vikings all-time leading rusher continues four months of psychological counseling and parenting supervision in Hennepin County, according to juvenile court records.
[...]
Peterson is allowed supervised visits with his son. He is barred from using corporal punishment. He also has submitted to parenting evaluations by social workers and a psychologist, court filings show.
'The conditions in that petition are being met,' said Chuck Laszewski, spokesman for the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
"

Peterson's Reinstatement Hearing Comes to a Close

Friday, Feb. 6

Tom Pelissero of USA Today reported the hearing is over, and that the judge is taking the matter under advisement. Pelissero also noted that Vikings executive Kevin Warren, who is believed to be working against the reinstatement, was in attendance. Jeffery Kessler argued for the NFLPA while Dan Nash was on the NFL's side, per Pelissero.

ESPN's Ben Goessling provided Peterson's statement following the hearing:

Kelly Smith of the Star Tribune reported a comment from Peterson's attorney:

Eric Winston Discusses Peterson's Impending Court Date

Thursday, Feb. 5

NFLPA president Eric Winston talked about Adrian Peterson's Feb. 6 court date, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press:

"
We're going to step up and we're going to make sure that (Peterson) gets his day in court, that he gets his shake and he's going to be heard. That's what this is all about.
[...]
We're always going to defend our guys if they feel like their rights have been violated, and Adrian feels like his rights have been violated.
"

Winston went on to explain that the case's stakes went beyond just Peterson:

"
It's important that he's reinstated as soon as possible because it's fair, because it's the right thing to do. That's the tough part, that our guys have such short runways (in their careers). ... It was done to purposely hold him out, whether the facts were correct or not. That's what really irks me.
It's not a misinterpretation of some rule or whatever; it's, 'We're going to make up these rules or we're going to make up these facts and then we're going to present them, and that's why we're going to suspend the guy. And if we're proven wrong later, then we still kind of got our way.' ... That's why we don't trust (the NFL).
"

Larry Fitzgerald Says Peterson 'Deserves to Be Back on the Field'

Monday, Feb. 2

Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald shared his thoughts on Adrian Peterson's status on Monday during an interview with Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. He offered support for the idea of Peterson returning to the field:

"
He's served his penalty. He deserves the opportunity to come back, and I know everybody in the league feels he's served his time.
I mean, he made a mistake, he's apologized for it, he's taken the precautionary steps to make amends for everything and I think he deserves to be back on the field.
He's lost millions of dollars, endorsements, all types of things. How much more can a man take? He's apologized. We all make mistakes in life.
"

Spielman Speaks on Peterson's Status with Vikings

Wednesday, Jan. 14

Tom Pelissero of USA Today shared comments from Vikings general manager Rick Spielman on Adrian Peterson's status with the Vikings for next season:

Peterson is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against the NFL that will be heard in February. The star running back was suspended by the league for the remainder of the 2014 season and subsequently lost his appeal in December.

Peterson Case to Be Heard in February

Monday, Jan. 5

Tom Pelissero of USA Today passed along the latest details in Adrian Peterson's lawsuit against the NFL:

"
The NFL Players Association's lawsuit against the NFL on behalf of banished Vikings star Adrian Peterson is scheduled to be heard in federal court next month in Minnesota.
The case is on the docket of U.S. District Court Judge David S. Doty at 2 p.m. on Feb. 6, Doty's office said Monday.
(...)
Among other arguments in a redacted filing the NFLPA posted to its website, the union contends the decision Friday by Henderson — who worked for roughly two decades in the league office — "was rendered by an evidently partial arbitrator who exceeded the scope of his authority."
The filing ended with a request from the NFLPA and Peterson 'that this Court vacate the Arbitration Award in its entirety and grant such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper, including an order declaring that Mr. Peterson is entitled immediately to be reinstated as a player in the National Football League because he has already served far more than the maximum two-game suspension that could have been imposed under the CBA.'
"

Mike Zimmer Comments on Peterson

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press and Ben Goessling of ESPN provided a synopsis of what Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer had to say about Peterson:

Goessling also provided the following comments from Zimmer, via ESPN.com:

"
Adrian was always great with me. I think he's a good person. I think obviously he's a great running back and if it works out that way and things work out and he gets his life in order -- that's the most important thing, he gets his life in order, he gets the opportunity to come back -- then I will be in his corner whatever the decision is made.
I think he would add value to any team, to be honest with you. I think the kid's a heck of a football player.
"

Peterson to File Lawsuit vs. NFL

Sunday, Dec. 14

USA Today's Tom Pelissero reports Adrian Peterson plans on filing a lawsuit against the NFL on Monday:

Peterson Appeal Denied

Friday, Dec. 12

NFL PR representative Greg Aiello reported the judge's verdict on Peterson's appeal:

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that the NFLPA isn't done yet:

When Will Peterson Return to the Field?

Sunday, Dec. 7

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported an updated timeline for when Peterson could return to the field, pending his appeal:

Settlement Reportedly Remains Possibility

Saturday, Dec. 6

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has an update on Peterson's appeal proceedings:

"
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, a settlement of Peterson’s unpaid suspension under the personal conduct policy remains possible. Obviously, however, a settlement would have to be reached before Henderson issues a ruling.
"

On Dec. 3, ESPN's Ed Werder reported the league had yet to make an offer for a settlement ahead of a decision on Peterson's appeal of his suspension:

"
Arbiter Harold Henderson is scheduled to hear testimony from NFL executive vice president for football operations Troy Vincent on Thursday, but he also encouraged the NFL and the NFLPA to negotiate a settlement regarding Adrian Peterson's indefinite suspension.
A source told ESPN that there have been no offers exchanged yet.
'In our view, the league would have to show a level of reason and humility to present a settlement offer that would be acceptable,' an NFLPA source said Wednesday morning. 'Thus far, they have displayed neither.'
"

Peterson Will Take Part in Continuation of Hearing

Thursday, Dec. 4

According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, Adrian Peterson isn't done with his hearing yet:

"
Source: Adrian Peterson will participate in the continuation of his appeal hearing today via teleconference. NFL executive Troy Vincent is due to testify.
"

At right around 4:20 PM ET, the hearing ended, according to ESPN's Andrew Brandt:

Peterson Appeal Hearing Concluded

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Adrian Peterson's hearing has ended, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport:

Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports reports that the mediator encouraged both sides to settle:

Garafolo noted the timeline on a verdict:

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the timeline could be less than that, if the sides come to an agreement:

Vincent Will Be Called to Testify

Tuesday, Dec. 2

While executive vice president Troy Vincent didn't testify on Tuesday, Pro Football Talk reports that the exec will be called upon later on:

Yesterday, Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports on the latest development involving Troy Vincent ahead of tomorrow's appeal hearing in the Adrian Peterson case:

"
NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent isn't scheduled to testify at banished Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson's appeal hearing Tuesday, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.
However, appeals officer Harold Henderson could call Vincent for a separate testimony later in the week based on what he hears Tuesday, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the proceedings are confidential.
The NFL Players Association had requested that Henderson -- appointed by Commissioner Roger Goodell to hear the appeal -- speak to Vincent, whose conversations with Peterson are a central part of the appeal.
Vincent is on the witness list for a Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on domestic violence in professional sports that's also set for Tuesday.
"

On Nov. 30, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the NFLPA's wishes:

"
The NFL Players Association has asked that Troy Vincent, the league's executive vice president of football operations, be compelled to testify as a 'central witness' in Adrian Peterson's appeal of his suspension, according to sources.
Jeffrey Kessler, the union's outside counsel, specifically stated in a letter to the NFL that Vincent must be cross-examined because he allegedly told Peterson he would not be subject to the league's new personal conduct policy, that he specifically told the Minnesota Vikings running back he would not be suspended for more than two games and that the time spent on the commissioner's exempt list would be considered time served.
It is not known if the union has documentation regarding what it says Vincent allegedly told Peterson.
"

Peterson to Attend Appeal Heard Before Harold Henderson on Dec. 2

Sunday, Nov. 30

"Sources say he handed off plenty of materials for Harold Henderson to consider, and he will be present Tuesday," reported NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. ESPN's Chris Mortensen later added:

"
Peterson's appeal is scheduled to be heard Tuesday before Harold Henderson, who is not considered the 'neutral arbitrator' such as Judge Barbara Jones in the Ray Rice case.
According to sources, Henderson denied the union's request to recuse himself, saying he will be impartial despite the fact his compensation as a former league employee is in the millions.
"

Vikings Conflicted on Potential Peterson Return, Zimmer and Rudolph Speak Out

Sunday, Nov. 23

Conor Orr of NFL.com, via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, reported the sentiment within the Vikings organization:

"
As NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport noted Sunday morning on NFL GameDay First, the Vikings football staff wants Peterson to return next year, a decision that Peterson is still weighing himself (Rapoport reported that A.P. isn't sure if Minnesota is the right climate for him to come back and play).
"

ESPN's Ed Werder shared Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer's thoughts:

"
I think Adrian wants to be back here. You have to ask him. I don't know. But I know he does have an awful lot of people here who have supported him, and I don't know who he's speaking of who doesn't.
All I know of Adrian is that he's always been great with me, always done what I've asked him to do, and I kind of go by what I see.
"

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported who doesn't want Peterson to return to the team:

Orr, via Albert Breer of NFL Network, also provided a statement from Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph:

"
I think can speak for everyone on the team when I say that we would welcome him back and be excited to have him back. At the same time, last week, we were coming off back-to-back wins and rolling offensively, so I don't think anyone was waiting for him to come through that door. Everyone has done a great job when some of the things get out there, not letting it affect us. We can't get too excited.
"

Union Questions Harold Henderson

Friday, Nov. 21

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio has the NFLPA's thoughts on Henderson:

"
The NFL Players Association does not believe that the action satisfies its request for a neutral third-party arbitrator.
'A longtime NFL Executive and current legal consultant cannot, by definition, be a neutral arbitrator,' the union said in a statement released to PFT.
"

Peterson Appeal Hearing Date Set, Goodell Won't Decide

Friday, Nov. 21

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports that a date has been set for Adrian Peterson's appeal hearing and that commissioner Roger Goodell won't be deciding on the appeal:

Glazer notes that Goodell voluntarily gave up his right to hear the appeal:

Peterson Appeals Suspension

Thursday, Nov. 20

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had his suspension upheld by the NFL until at least the conclusion of the 2014 season. However, Peterson opted to appeal his suspension on Thursday.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN provided the details of the latest development in Peterson's unfortunate off-field saga, courtesy of the formal letter of appeal that Peterson filed:

"
The NFLPA and Mr. Peterson appeal the indefinite suspension on a minimum of the following grounds:
First, your November 18 discipline letter expressly imposes discipline on Mr. Peterson pursuant to the August 28 Policy—enacted after all of the conduct at issue occurred. Well-established principles of just cause and industrial due process require prior notice of consequences for an employee’s actions and prohibit such ex post facto punishment. Moreover, this prohibition on retroactive punishment is 'law of the shop' under Article 46. Bounty Final Decision on Appeal, slip op. at 6 (2012) (Tagliabue, Arb.) ('[A] sharp change in sanctions or discipline can often be seen as arbitrary and as an impediment rather than an instrument of change. That is what we see on the record here.') (vacating discipline); see also id. at 7-8.
Because the August 28 Personal Conduct Policy cannot retroactively be applied to Mr. Peterson’s May 2014 conduct, any punishment must be assessed and imposed consistent with the Policy and practices prior to August 28. In that light, we note that not only have you suspended Mr. Peterson for the remainder of this season, plus a minimum six-game fine, but the NFL has publicly stated that Mr. Peterson’s punishment accounts for the nine (9) games Mr. Peterson has already missed while placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. Accordingly, Mr. Peterson’s indefinite suspension would span at least sixteen (16) weeks and fifteen (15) games, is wildly disparate from that of any previous similarly situated employee, and therefore cannot stand. See Bounty Final Decision on Appeal at 18-19 ('selective enforcement . . . does not satisfy the basic requirements for consistent treatment of player-employees similarly situated'), 3-4, 13.
"

The appeal continued, per Mortensen:

"
Second, the imposition of an entirely new and obfuscated disciplinary process—including the proposed pre-discipline 'hearing' that would have involved several outside consultants not provided for in the CBA—is inconsistent with the Parties’ long-standing custom and practice with respect to Article 46 discipline. The conditions you purported to impose on Mr. Peterson during his indefinite suspension, such as two forms of mandated psychiatric counseling, with a psychiatrist of the NFL’s choosing, are also without precedent. The NFL is making up the process and punishment as it goes—a blatant violation of the CBA, Mr. Peterson’s industrial due process rights, and any notion of fundamental fairness.
"

Peterson pleaded no contest to a child injury charge on November 4, and remained where he had been on the Exempt/Commissioner's Permission List.

When the NFL announced Peterson would be suspended for the remainder of the 2014 season on November 18, league commissioner Roger Goodell issued a letter to Peterson to address the issue. Below is a portion of Goodell's letter, courtesy of ESPN.com news services:

"
You have shown no meaningful remorse for your conduct. When indicted, you acknowledged what you did but said that you would not 'eliminate whooping my kids' and defended your conduct in numerous published text messages to the child's mother. You also said that you felt 'very confident with my actions because I know my intent.' These comments raise the serious concern that you do not fully appreciate the seriousness of your conduct, or even worse, that you may feel free to engage in similar conduct in the future.
"

ESPN's Ed Werder weighed in, implying that any plans Peterson had to appeal would be futile after the decision:

Peterson finally broke his silence in an interview with Tom Pelissero of USA Today on Thursday evening:

"
I won't ever use a switch again. There's different situations where a child needs to be disciplined as far as timeout, taking their toys away, making them take a nap. There's so many different ways to discipline your kids.
(...)
No one knows how I felt when I turned my child around after spanking him and seeing what I had left on his leg. No one knows that Dad sat there and apologized to him, hugged him and told him that I didn't mean to do this to you and how sorry I was.
I love my son. I love my kids, my family. Like I said after I took the misdemeanor plea, I take full responsibility for my actions. I regret the situation. I love my son more than any one of you could even imagine.
"

He was asked what he'll do when given the opportunity to speak with Goodell:

"
Ultimately, I know I'll have my opportunity to sit down with Roger face to face, and I'll be able to say a lot of the same things that I've said to you. Don't say that I'm not remorseful, because in my statement, I showed that I was remorseful. I regretted everything that took place. I love my child, more than anyone could ever imagine.
"

Peterson also talked about playing again with the Vikings:

"
I would love to go back and play in Minnesota to get a feel and just see if my family still feels comfortable there. But if there's word out that hey, they might release me, then so be it. I would feel good knowing that I've given everything I had in me.
"

That doesn't appear to be stopping Peterson from exploring his potential right to take the field again as soon as possible. Peterson is the best running back in the modern NFL, but the child abuse scandal has derailed what was bound to be one of the best careers of any player at his position.

Since Peterson already lost his grievance and doesn't appear to be in Goodell's good graces at all, there is little chance an appeal will work in his favor.

The Vikings are in a tough spot in that they have the conundrum of whether to support one of their own players while he engages in a heated dispute with the league office.

In the meantime, Minnesota can count on Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon to shoulder the backfield workload until Peterson returns to the fold—if he does as a Viking.