Adrian Peterson has recently plead no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault for injuring his 4-year-old son with a switch and in an eager attempt to get back on the field the Minnesota Viking sought to appeal his season-long suspension without pay. Unfortunately for Peterson, his appeal has been denied.
Via ESPN
Peterson’s appeal was heard by former NFL executive Harold Henderson last week in Washington, D.C. Henderson was appointed by commissioner Roger Goodell as arbitrator to hear the sides’ cases and issue a ruling.
In upholding the NFL’s initial ruling, Henderson concluded that Peterson “has not demonstrated that the process and procedures surrounding his discipline were not fair and consistent.”
Wrote Henderson: “He was afforded all the protections and rights to which he is entitled, and I find no basis to vacate or reduce the discipline.”
Peterson is now expected to appeal the decision in federal court.
The players’ union reacted swiftly to the ruling.
“The NFLPA expected this outcome, given the hearing officer’s relationship and financial ties to the NFL,” the union’s statement read. “The decision itself ignores the facts, the evidence and the collective bargaining agreement. This decision also represents the NFL’s repeated failure to adhere to due process and confirms its inconsistent treatment of players. Our union is considering immediate legal remedies.”
Adrian Peterson can apply for reinstatement on April 15, 2015.
