The NFL has asked a federal appeals court to overturn a federal judge’s ruling that lifted Adrian Peterson’s suspension.
In its 42 page brief the league filed with the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis on Thursday, the league argued that district court judge David Doty did not have the power to intervene in its labor dispute with the players’ union.
For the time being, Peterson remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
Whatever the outcome of the appeal, it is unlikely that Peterson would face anymore punishment from the NFL stemming from allegations of child abuse last fall.
True RT @AroundTheNFL: Adrian Peterson ‘highly unlikely’ to face further suspension http://t.co/zSAGMu1LNa
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2015
The NFLPA now has 30 days to respond to the league’s appeal.
According to 1500 ESPN, the appeal is more about the precedent for future legal battles with the NFLPA than it is about keeping Peterson off the field.
Moreover, the Pioneer Press notes that neither side has requested the case be expedited, which according to the report, means oral arguments wouldn’t take place until the court’s next term in October – long after Peterson’s playing status is expected to be resolved.
The end result could still affect Peterson though. According to 1500 ESPN, Peterson could possibly recoup the earnings he lost from losing six game checks during the original suspension.
In the appeal, the NFL argues that Doty overstepped his bounds when he thew out Peterson’s suspension.
“The district court usurped the arbitrator’s role by rejecting his conclusion that Peterson’s discipline was not impermissibly retroactive. The district court’s disagreement with the arbitrator’s merits determination or underlying legal analysis does not entitle the court to substitute its own judgement.”
Peterson met with Commissioner Goodell this week, he can apply for reinstatement as early as April 15.
But that will only clear up part of Peterson’s future with the Vikings. While the running back hasn’t asked to be traded there have been multiple indications from his agent that Peterson would like to play someplace else.
The Vikings don’t appear in a rush to move him though. Peterson is signed with Minnesota through 2017 and the team doesn’t appear interested in trading him unless a “blockbuster deal” comes along.
