Adrian Peterson And NFL Respond To Judge’s Ruling To Overturn Minnesota Vikings Star’s Suspension

The suspension of Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings running back, has been overturned. Peterson was at the center of a domestic violence scandal that came at a time when the NFL was particularly being seen as light in response to its claims against its athletes’ off the field behavior.

Peterson issued a statement about the ruling:

“I was pleased to learn about Judge Doty’s decision,” Peterson wrote in a press release after Doty ruled in his favor, granting an NFL Players Association motion to vacate a previous ruling by arbitrator Harold Henderson.

“It is a positive step in protecting players’ rights and preserving due process for all players,” Peterson wrote. “It also brings me one step closer to getting back on the football field and playing the sport I love. As I prepare for my return to football, I am still focused on my family and continue to work to become a better father every day. I want to express my gratitude for all of the support I have received from the fans, NFLPA, Jeffrey Kessler, and my agents Ben Dogra, Tracy Lartigue, and Mark Heligman from Relativity Sports.”

There is still the question as to whether the Vikings will bring back Peterson and the baggage that comes with having the star running back. The Vikings are already $20 million under the salary cap. If they cut Peterson they go to $33 million. They also have the 11th pick in the draft, and they can reasonably expect Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon or Georgia’s Todd Gurley to be there.

The NFL issued a statement following the news about Peterson:

“Judge Doty’s order did not contain any determinations concerning the fairness of the appeals process under the CBA, including the commissioner’s longstanding authority to appoint a designee to act as hearing officer. Even so, we believe strongly that Judge Doty’s order is incorrect and fundamentally at odds with well-established legal precedent governing the district court’s role in reviewing arbitration decisions. As a result, we have filed a notice of appeal to have the ruling reviewed by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. In the interim, Adrian Peterson will be returned to the Commissioner Exempt List pending further proceedings by appeals officer Harold Henderson or a determination by the Eighth Circuit Court.”

What do you think the Vikings should do with Peterson? Agree with the court’s decision to overturn the suspension?

[Photo Credit: Source]

Adrian Peterson And NFL Respond To Judge’s Ruling To Overturn Minnesota Vikings Star’s Suspension