Throughout the day things have been escalating in the Adrian Peterson saga. Peterson, who pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless assault in relation to the child abuse charges he faced on Tuesday find himself facing a longer time-frame than he would have hoped to get back onto the football field.
Adrian Peterson Will Face Suspension
Earlier today it came to light that Peterson and his representatives had attempted to have the NFL reinstate him as his legal proceedings came to a close,
“The NFL rejected an attempt by Adrian Peterson’s camp for immediate reinstatement following his plea agreement on Tuesday and refused to engage in discussions regarding a settlement over his playing status, two sources informed of the discussions told FOX Sports.” Mike Garaflo Fox Sports
Peterson was then informed that he would have to submit documents to do with his legal proceedings and he would be subject to the leagues personal conduct policy rather than the new domestic violence policy.
“NFL advised Adrian Peterson this afternoon that following his plea agreement to resolve his criminal case in Texas his matter will now be reviewed for potential discipline under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. As part of the process, the NFL has requested that Peterson submit relevant information regarding his case and meet with designated experts who will make recommendations for the Commissioner’s consideration.” Adam Schefter ESPN
Ian Rapoport has since tweeted, that it is very unlikely that Peterson’s time on the Commissioners exempt list will count against any future suspension as time served and that it could be a long period of time before the matter is resolved.
“Adrian Peterson being on paid-leave since his situation arose is not considered discipline, source points out. Suspension looms.”
“When will the Peterson situation be resolved? Could be weeks. Means playing next week unlikely. As for hearing, unclear if Goodell presides” Ian Rapoport, NFL Network @Rapsheet
Shortly after this news broke Nike announced that it is to cut all ties with the star running back after suspending its contract on September 17th.
To make a future quagmire of the situation, NBC Sports are reporting that legal experts with knowledge of the original commissioners exemption agreement have commented that the contract terminated with the end of Peterson’s legal proceedings
“The deal, which allowed the NFL and the Vikings to get Peterson off the field while enabling Minnesota to retain his rights, expired upon adjudication of the criminal charges.” Mike Florio NBC Sports
Two things are for certain, the NFL does not want to get this wrong and is willing to drag it’s heels until it makes what it considers is the right call and things are going to get messy.
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Main Photo Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports