EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The NFL Players Association has filed an expedited grievance with the NFL to reinstate Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.
The NFLPA cited Monday “explicit language in a signed agreement” from Sept. 18, when Peterson was placed on a special commissioner’s exempt list following his indictment on felony child abuse in Texas. Peterson pleaded no contest Tuesday to a lesser charge of misdemeanor reckless assault, freeing him from the court system provided he fulfills the terms of his probation.
The league began a review Thursday of his case under the personal conduct policy, but it said Peterson would remain on paid leave until the process is completed.
That didn’t sit well with the union.
The NFLPA demanded in a letter to the NFL last week that Peterson be allowed to rejoin the Vikings immediately until any determination of any discipline.
“As of now, they have failed to respond or comply,” the NFLPA said. “It is our obligation to protect all players’ rights, and we will pursue any and all breaches of any contract between a player and his team or the NFL.”
The league didn’t immediately respond Monday to requests for comment.
The Vikings come off their bye week still waiting for the NFL to act but hardly pinning any plans on a possible Peterson return.
“We’d just prepare like he’s not going to be here until we hear differently,” coach Mike Zimmer said.
The Vikings offered no hints Monday what their plan would be if Peterson is reinstated by the league. They play at Chicago this Sunday, and in a 48-word statement said the team’s focus is on preparing for the Bears.
“As an organization, we respect and understand the league’s process,” the Vikings said.
The league has offered Peterson a hearing prior to issuing any punishment. It also requested he submit relevant information regarding his case and meet with designated experts who will make recommendations for discipline to Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Goodell announced in August a stiffer penalty for players involved with domestic violence. The guideline now calls for a six-game suspension for a first offense, though the injuries Peterson acknowledged causing his 4-year-old son occurred in May. Peterson has said he didn’t mean harm in hitting the boy with a wooden switch. He said was applying the same type of corporal punishment he received as a child.
Zimmer said the Vikings have not been given a timetable by the league for a conclusion.
“When those decisions are made, then we can make decisions. Until then, really our hands are tied.”
Coaches and players have said they’d welcome Peterson back. There was no concern expressed about a distraction, either during the wait or after a potential return.
“More than the distractions that we’ve had this season? No. This team has been pretty resilient,” Zimmer said.
Said wide receiver Greg Jennings: “We focus on the Bears and let everyone who’s dealing with the whole Adrian situation deal with that. I’ll continue to pray for him and his family and things like that, but we have to focus on what we can control.”
