The Adrian Peterson saga has dragged along all season, and we finally have a conclusion... maybe. The NFL announced on Friday that Peterson's appeal of his six-game suspension has been denied. NFL-appointed arbitrator Harold Henderson heard the case last week before handing down his ruling.
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According to media reports, Henderson upheld the suspension because Peterson "has not demonstrated that the process and procedures surrounding his discipline were not fair and consistent." In his decision, Henderson also wrote, "He was afforded all the protections and rights to which he is entitled, and I find no basis to vacate or reduce the discipline."
The NFLPA was upset over the ruling and wasted no time in reacting to the decision. "The NFLPA expected this outcome, given the hearing officer's relationship and financial ties to the NFL," read the union's statement. "The decision itself ignores the facts, the evidence and the collective bargaining agreement. This decision also represents the NFL's repeated failure to adhere to due process and confirms its inconsistent treatment of players. Our union is considering immediate legal remedies."
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Based on the ruling, Peterson will remain suspended and be ineligible for reinstatement until at least April 15. He will get to keep the money he made while on the commissioner's exempt list during the investigation leading up to his plea deal, however.
Peterson's suspension was scheduled to be six games without pay, but the appeals process has taken long enought hat there are only three games remaining in the NFL season. Reports indicate that Peterson will be suspended without pay for those three games, but rather than being suspended without pay for the first three games of next season as well, Peterson will simply have to repay three game checks' worth of money to the league.
The Vikings have not yet commented on the ruling.
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