The NFL will appeal a federal judge’s decision to overturn Adrian Peterson’s suspension.
U.S. District Judge David Doty ruled in favor of Peterson and the NFL Players Association’s request to overturn an NFL arbitrator’s ruling to keep the suspension in place.
The league announced that it would appeal Doty’s ruling and place Peterson back on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, while the appeal is pending.
Here's the full statement from the NFL spokesman… #Vikings pic.twitter.com/TeCqagxSXx
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) February 26, 2015
In a statement from the Vikings, the team said Peterson remains an important part of the organization.
“Adrian Peterson is an important member of the Minnesota Vikings, and our focus remains on welcoming him back when he is able to rejoin our organization. Today’s ruling leaves Adrian’s status under the control of the NFL, the NFLPA and the legal system, and we will have no further comment at this time.”
Judge: NFL arbitrator exceeded authority
In a 16-page ruling released to the public, via the NFLPA, Doty found that an NFL-assigned arbitrator who first reviewed Peterson’s case and upheld the suspension “exceeded his authority.”
Judge Doty's 16-page ruling includes: "Henderson strayed beyond the issues submitted by the NFLPA and in doing so exceeded his authority."
— Brian Hall (@MNBrianHall) February 26, 2015
Official documents- NFLPA's motion to vacate Adrian Peterson suspension granted. Conclusion: pic.twitter.com/xbXgyPeEer
— FOX 9 (@FOX9) February 26, 2015
“This is a victory for the rule of law, due process and fairness,” NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said in a statement. “Our collective bargaining agreement has rules for implementation of the personal conduct policy and when those rules are violated, our union always stands up to protect our players’ rights. This is yet another example why neutral arbitration is good for our players, good for the owners and good for our game.”
Vikings options
Minnesota has options with Peterson going forward. The team can simply bring him back at the $12.75 million he’s due in 2015 (signed through 2017), ask him to restructure his contract, cut him or trade him. The Star Tribune notes that players cannot be traded until March 10, which coincides with the beginning of the league’s new year and free-agency period.
Reminder that players cannot be traded until the start of the league year on March 10.
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) February 26, 2015
NFL can still appeal
The fight between Peterson and the NFL may not be over. According to Pro Football Talk, the NFL could appeal Doty’s decision, and that will be the case, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
The @NFL says it will “review the decision” by Judge Doty to make Adrian Peterson immediately eligible.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2015
