The Adrian Peterson Soap Opera Continues, Appeal Denied
By Nick Fritz
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Ending a long series of drama best fit for the Lifetime Network, the Minnesota Vikings and their fans can FINALLY stop wondering the short term fate of
Adrian Peterson. An arbiter appointed by the NFL to hear Adrian Peterson’s appeal has ruled that the Minnesota Vikings running back will remain suspended until at least next spring.
There was a small glimmer of hope that this saga would end and Adrian Peterson would be able to return for the last few games of the season. Well, our hopes were clearly a waste of time and energy. The NFL has made an example of AP from the beginning and has no intentions of changing their course.
The Vikings’ 2012 Most Value Player hasn’t played since the Vikings blew out the Rams in week one, as child abuse charges arose shortly after. He was placed on paid leave and we’ve been waiting since. On November 4th, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault for injuring his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch. The plea deal meant no jail time for Adrian.
The NFL Players Association made their opinion known quickly as they are one to do.
“The NFLPA expected this outcome, given the hearing officer’s relationship and financial ties to the NFL,” the union’s statement read. “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.”
The ambiguity continues into next season, as there isn’t even a set date for Adrian’s return from suspension. Because of the NFL’s abhorrent dealing with this case, the Vikings playoff hopes were basically ripped away from the start. And now, the future of their beloved starting running back may no longer be so purple.
Oct 8, 2014; Conroe, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson watches as attorney Rusty Hardin (not pictured) speaks to the media outside of the Montgomery county courthouse. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports