Adrian Peterson’s season is officially over.
Harold Henderson, the arbitrator who heard Peterson’s appeal last week, upheld the season-ending suspension NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hammered the former MVP with in mid-November.
Appeals officer Harold Henderson has affirmed the Adrian Peterson discipline…appeal denied.
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) December 12, 2014
In a statement, Henderson concluded that he found no reason to “vacate or reduce the discipline.”
Henderson added the facts in the case are uncontested and that Peterson “effectively admitted guilt to a criminal charge of child abuse,” with his plea deal.
“Mr. Peterson’s conduct was egregious and aggravated as those terms are used in the Policy, and merits substantial discipline. His public comments do not reflect remorse or appreciation for the seriousness of his actions and their impact on his family, community, fans and the NFL.”
Peterson hasn’t played since Week 1 of the season after the charges surfaced. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault and on Nov. 18 he was suspended by Goodell for the final six games of the regular season. The league will not consider reinstatement until April 15, 2015.
The NFL Players Association was quick to issue a response to the announcement.
NFLPA statement on Peterson, considering legal action: "The decision itself ignores the facts,the evidence & the CBA" pic.twitter.com/G5LVC5vVgX
— Master (@MasterTes) December 12, 2014
ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen reported last week that Peterson returning to the Vikings this season would have been unlikely even if his appeal was successful.
Peterson loses remaining 3 game checks but if reinstated he won’t miss first 3 games in ’15. He’ll just have to pay NFL 3 other game checks
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 12, 2014
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports the next step could be Peterson filing a lawsuit.
The plan for Adrian Peterson, assuming the denial of his appeal that just happened, was to take the case to federal court.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 12, 2014
Good news for NFL is that AP suspension was upheld (via @AdamSchefter). Bad news is this now likely ends up in federal court.
— Gabe Feldman (@SportsLawGuy) December 12, 2014
