Report: NFLPA appeals Adrian Peterson's suspension
The NFL Players Association has appealed Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's season-long suspension, according to a report from USA TODAY.
The report says that the NFLPA filed the appeal on Peterson's behalf. The NFLPA is appealing on the grounds that the NFL did not act in accordance with due process under the league's collective bargaining agreement, according to the report.
The NFLPA is calling for a neutral arbitrator to rule on Peterson's appeal, but the CBA stipulates that Goodell is in charge of such appeals.
• NFLPA's DeMaurice Smith: Discipline process 'unfair and arbitrary'
An arbitrator ruled Tuesday night that the NFL can keep Peterson on the Commissioner's Exempt list even during an appeal process.
Peterson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, said he's "amazed" at the way the NFL has been "making these things up as they go along" regarding their treatment of both Peterson and Ray Rice, who is currently appealing an indefinite suspension.
Peterson was indicted on felony charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child in September. On Nov. 4, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault after authorities said he hit his 4-year old son with a switch. He was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine and perform 80 hours of community service.
The Vikings reportedly have no plans to trade or release Peterson and will re-evaluate his future with the team after this season.
- Molly Geary and Chris Johnson