Vikings RB Adrian Peterson appeal denied, will have to finish season-long suspension
Arbitrator Harold Harold Henderson, appointed by commissioner Roger Goodell to oversee the appeal, said in his decision that Peterson had failed to prove the disciplinary process was not 'fair and consistent.'
The house wins again.
An NFL arbitrator rejected Adrian Peterson's appeal of his suspension for child abuse, barring the Minnesota Vikings star from returning to the field this season.
Arbitrator Harold Harold Henderson, appointed by commissioner Roger Goodell to oversee the appeal, said in his decision that Peterson had failed to prove the disciplinary process was not "fair and consistent." The decision means Peterson will remain suspended for the rest of the season and unable to apply for reinstatement until April 15.
The ruling sparked an immediate and bitter response from the NFL Players Association, which had expressed concerns that Henderson, a longtime NFL executive, would not be independent and impartial like arbitrator Barbara S. Jones, the former federal judge who overturned Ray Rice's domestic violence suspension last month. Henderson was a "designee" of Goodell's and was expected to deliver the commissioner's wishes on the ruling.
"The NFLPA expected this outcome, given the hearing officer's relationship and financial ties to the NFL," the Players Association said in a statement.
In an interview with ESPN, Peterson expressed shock that his suspension was upheld while Rice can return to play.
"I feel like they're handling the situation absolutely wrong," Peterson said. "I think I've been made an example out of. It kind of baffles me how -- I have nothing but love for Ray Rice, I'm happy he has the chance to play. But it's like, how did Ray Rice get reinstated before me, a team has a chance to pick him up, but I don't have the opportunity to come back until April. When has that happened in any other case in the NFL, ever?"