NFL Will Reinstate Adrian Peterson On Friday
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The ongoing drama between star Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and the NFL is over. League officials said Thursday that Peterson will be reinstated Friday and eligible to participate in all team activities.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a letter to Peterson on Thursday. It said he is expected to fulfill his remaining obligations to the authorities in Minnesota and Texas as well as the additional commitments Peterson made in an April 7 meeting with Goodell regarding ongoing counseling and treatment by medical advisors.
Peterson had been sidelined since last fall after pleading no contest to hitting his 4-year-old son with a switch and he's been on the NFL's Exempt List ever since.
League officials also reminded Peterson that his continued play in the NFL is contingent on avoiding further conduct that violates the league's personal conduct policy or other NFL policies. Any further violation of the personal conduct policy could result in suspension without pay or banishment from the NFL.
Whether he comes back to the Vikings remains up in the air. Team officials have stated publicly numerous times that they want him to return. But Peterson and his agent have been reported saying he may be better off playing elsewhere.
The Vikings released a statement Thursday afternoon about the ruling.
"The Minnesota Vikings have been informed by the NFL that Adrian Peterson has been reinstated. We look forward to Adrian re-joining the Vikings," the statement reads.
Peterson's first mandatory appearance would be at the Vikings mini camp at Winter Park in June. The earliest he could return is next Monday, when the Vikings are holding optional team workouts.
