Adrian Peterson should learn if he’ll be allowed to play for the Vikings again this season within 11 days.
ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio reports that a hearing to determine Peterson’s future must be held by Monday, Nov. 17. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports the hearing will take place exactly that day.
It appears Adrian Peterson's hearing will be Monday
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 11, 2014
Florio added this nugget in his original report Tuesday:
“A conference call will happen as soon as Tuesday between the league, the NFLPA, and arbitrator Shyam Das. The arbitrator, who undoubtedly understands that this matter boils down to the interpretation of the September 18 letter agreement that placed Peterson on the Commissioner-Exempt list “until the criminal charges pending against him are adjudicated,” could inform that parties that the hearing will happen this week, and Das could in turn rule quickly — possibly, at the hearing itself.”
On Monday, the NFL Players Association filed an expedited, non-injury grievance to the NFL seeking reinstatement for Peterson, who has been forced to stay away from all team activities since he charged for child abuse on Sept. 12. Last Tuesday, Peterson’s legal matters were resolved when he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault.
Based on the language of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, the league must provide a hearing within seven days of the grievance being filed, and a decision to further punish or reinstate a player must be made within five days of the hearing.
Simply stated, the NFL needs to determine the best course of action for Peterson by Nov. 22.
But the hearing could come before Monday. ESPN reports that the CBA says “the NFLPA and the NFL will engage in good faith efforts to schedule grievances involving suspension of a player by a Club prior to the Club’s next scheduled game.” The Vikings play the Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday, but at the very least, the team will know where it stands before its Week 12 home game against the Green Bay Packers.
Yahoo Sports reports that it’s entirely possible that the NFL will reinstate Peterson before choosing to suspend him. If that scenario unfolds, it’s likely the NFLPA will appeal the suspension. If Peterson remains on the exempt list it’s also possible he could choose to sue the NFL.
