Baller Alert Entertainment & Lifestyle In what the NFLPA calls “a victory for the rule of law,” Adrian Peterson just might be able to return to the NFL and before April 15.
“This is yet another example why neutral arbitration is good for our players, good for the owners and good for our game,” said NFLPA executive director, DeMaurice Smith. As most recall, Peterson was suspended in November for the remainder of the 2014 season and placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List for hitting his 4-year-old as a disciplinary recourse. In a closing statement, U.S. District Judge David Doty, pointed out that NFL appeals officer, Harold Henderson, “exceeded his authority,” straying “beyond the issues submitted by the NFLPA,” reported USA Today. Doty also noted that Henderson’s argument “fails to draw its essence from the CBA (collective bargaining agreement – between the NFL and NFLPA).
But not so fast! The overturn of the suspension does NOT mean he will be reinstated. The NFL has a chance to rebuttal by filing for a circuit court injunction, per NFL Media’s, Albert Breer, obviously disabling his return. And, ultimately, the final decision is the organization’s. The NFL claims it “will review the decision,” which means more back-and-forth between the parties.
Even with reinstatement, Peterson could have a hard time finding a home team. He recently told reporters that he was “uneasy” about staying in Minnesota and his agent, Ben Dogra, told a Vikings’ VP, Monday, that Peterson would never play for them again. AP could receive over $12million for the 2015 season if he stays with the Vikings and doesn’t think he should take a pay cut. But if you know football or anything about branding, you’d know that no one but Minnesota will be willing to give him that. Factor in the drama, the vastly-approaching draft AND a few, younger free agents hitting the open market…and you get a loss in stock for the once, revered running back.
Sources Cited:
Adrian Peterson suspension overturned by Judge: Dan Hanzuz, Around the NFL
Federal Judge overturns arbitrator’s ruling on Adrian Peterson: Tom Pelissero, USA Today Sports
