Adrian Peterson Suspended For Remainder Of 2014 Season
MINNEAPOLIS (CBSDFW.COM) -- Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been suspended without pay for at least the remainder of the 2014 season, the league announced Tuesday.
He will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15, 2015. Peterson is expected to appeal the decision immediately.
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Peterson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault as part of an agreement to resolve his felony child abuse case two weeks ago. As part of the plea, Peterson will pay a $4,000 fine, perform 80 hours of community service, and be placed on deferred adjudication for two years.
In a letter to Peterson, Commissioner Roger Goodell explained his decision.
"The timing of your potential reinstatement will be based on the results of the counseling and treatment program set forth in this decision. Under this two-step approach, the precise length of the suspension will depend on your actions. We are prepared to put in place a program that can help you to succeed, but no program can succeed without your genuine and continuing engagement. You must commit yourself to your counseling and rehabilitative effort, properly care for your children, and have no further violations of law or league policy."
The NFL modified its personal conduct policy on Aug. 28, establishing a baseline suspension without pay of six games for first time offenders. However, the league also identified "aggravating circumstances" that can warrant higher levels of punishment.
According to police, Peterson admitted to hitting his 4-year-old son with a switch (a small branch from a tree) in Texas in May. Images obtained of the boy's injuries showed a number of cuts on his legs and thighs.
In the letter, Commissioner Goodell highlighted the circumstances which he believes warrants a harsher penalty.
"First, the injury was inflicted on a child who was only four years old. The difference in size and strength between you and the child is significant, and your actions clearly caused physical injury to the child. While an adult may have a number of options when confronted with abuse – to flee, to fight back, or to seek help from law enforcement – none of those options is realistically available to a four-year old child. Further, the injury inflicted on your son includes the emotional and psychological trauma to a young child who suffers criminal physical abuse at the hands of his father.
"Second, the repetitive use of a switch in this instance is the functional equivalent of a weapon, particularly in the hands of someone with the strength of an accomplished professional athlete.
"Third, you have shown no meaningful remorse for your conduct. When indicted, you acknowledged what you did but said that you would not 'eliminate whooping my kids' and defended your conduct in numerous published text messages to the child's mother. You also said that you felt 'very confident with my actions because I know my intent.' These comments raise the serious concern that you do not fully appreciate the seriousness of your conduct, or even worse, that you may feel free to engage in similar conduct in the future."
The 6-time Pro Bowl running back was placed on the team's Exempt/Commissioner's Permission List on Sept. 17. He has already missed eight games and has not been allowed to participate in team activities, though he has continued to receive his salary.
The NFL Players Association responded Tuesday, saying the league has a "credibility gap" between its agreements and rulings.
"The decision by the NFL to suspend Adrian Peterson is another example of the credibility gap that exists between the agreements they make and the actions they take. Since Adrian's legal matter was adjudicated, the NFL has ignored their obligations and attempted to impose a new and arbitrary disciplinary proceeding.
The facts are that Adrian has asked for a meeting with Roger Goodell, the discipline imposed is inconsistent and an NFL executive told Adrian that his time on the Commissioner's list would be considered as time served."
The NFLPA will appeal the suspension immediately and demand that a neutral arbitrator reside over the appeal.
Peterson has three days to appeal the decision. According to the league, any appeal will be scheduled promptly. The running back will remain on the Exempt List and continue being paid pending a ruling.
Commissioner Goodell says the league will establish periodic reviews to determine Peterson's "progress," the first coming on April 15 of next year.
"It is imperative that you to avoid any incident of this kind in the future," Commissioner Goodell stated in his letter. "Any further violation of the Personal Conduct Policy will result in additional discipline and may subject you to banishment from the NFL."
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