Vikings running back Adrian Peterson reinstated by NFL
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been reinstated from the commissioner's exempt list, the NFL announced Thursday.
Peterson may participate in all team activities, beginning Friday. He told ESPN.com on Tuesday that he was unsure whether he would participate in the Vikings' offseason workouts.
"We look forward to Adrian re-joining the Vikings," the team said in a statement.
Commissioner Roger Goodell informed Peterson, "that he is expected to fulfill his remaining obligations to the authorities in Minnesota and Texas, as well as the additional commitments Peterson made during his April 7 meeting with the commissioner regarding maintaining an ongoing program of counseling and treatment as recommended by medical advisors," the NFL said.
• Vikings RB Adrian Peterson 'anxious to start a new chapter'
Peterson was indicted on child abuse charges in Texas in September for allegedly hitting his 4-year-old son with a switch. After the indictment, he was placed on the exempt list and missed the final 15 games of the season. He pleaded no contest to a count of misdemeanor reckless assault in November and was sentenced to probation.
Peterson was still paid while on the exempt list but was suspended indefinitely without pay after his plea. Peterson's appeal of the suspension was denied by an NFL-appointed arbitrator in December but a federal judge overturned the suspension in February. After the suspension was overturned, Peterson was placed back on the exempt list.
Peterson met with commissioner Roger Goodell last week to discuss his reinstatement.
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported last week that Peterson is "highly unlikely" to be suspended again under the NFL's revised domestic violence policy after his reinstatement.
There has been much speculation this offseason as to whether Peterson will play for the Vikings next season. General manager Rick Spielman and owner Mark Wilf have said they would like Peterson back with the team. Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, reportedly had a "heated exchange" with Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski at the NFL combine in February. Dogra also said in March that he doesn't "think it's in [Peterson's] best interests" to remain in Minnesota.
Peterson is under contract for three more seasons.
- Dan Gartland
