The NFL announced Thursday it will review the Adrian Peterson matter for potential discipline under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, now that the criminal portion of his case is over.
Peterson avoided a trial that could have led to a prison sentence when a Texas judge accepted his plea deal to reduce his crime to misdemeanor reckless assault, down from the original charge of felony child abuse. Peterson was accused of whipping his four-year-old son with a thin wooden tree branch.
According to Pro Football Talk, the NFL has requested Peterson submit relevant information about the case, and meet with experts who will make recommendations to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
NFL says Adrian Peterson can have a hearing prior to issuance of discipline. He’ll remain on the Commissioner’s exempt list until completion
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2014
Peterson will remain on the commissioner’s exempt list until the process is completed.
But it may not be quite that simple. The NFL Players Association followed that statement by demanding the league handle the matter with efficiency and consistency.
.@NFLPA statement regarding Adrian Peterson pic.twitter.com/XcvUCpgT5V
— America's Pregame (@AmericasPregame) November 7, 2014
Peterson was hoping for a speedy return to the field, but as Fox Sports reports, the NFL previously rejected a request from Peterson’s camp to be immediately reinstated following the Tuesday’s deal.
The NFL Players Association, Peterson’s agent Ben Dogra and his attorney Rusty Hardin were in constant contact with NFL officials about Peterson’s plea deal and were pushing for the immediate reinstatement, but the league denied the request and said that a decision on Peterson’s playing status would be coming.
An NFL spokesperson told multiple media outlets earlier this week that a timetable for a decision is not available.
“There’s no hurry but no delay either,” an unnamed source told ESPN.com.
The Vikings are off this week, but return from the bye in Week 11 against Chicago. The Star Tribune notes the decision will keep his status for that game, and the remainder of the season, in doubt.
“I truly regret this incident,” Peterson said Tuesday. “I take full responsibility for my actions. I love my son more than anyone you could even imagine, and I’m anxious to continue my relationship with my child.”
While things remain unclear for Peterson on the field, he has lost another one of his sponsors. Nike, who had previously suspended it’s deal with Peterson, announced Thursday that it would terminate the contract.
Deals Nike has terminated this year: Ray Rice, Jon Jones, Oscar Pistorius & Adrian Peterson
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 6, 2014
