Report: NFLPA wants Troy Vincent to testify in Adrian Peterson appeal

The NFL Players Association reportedly considers Troy Vincent, the league's executive vice president of football operations, a "central witness" in Adrian Peterson's suspension appeal and wants him to testiffy.

The NFL Players Association considers Troy Vincent, the league's executive vice president of football operations, a "central witness" in Adrian Peterson's suspension appeal and wants him to testify, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN.

Jeffrey Kessler, the NFLPA's outside counsel, said in a letter to the league that Vincent should testify because of his communication with Peterson before his season-long suspension was handed down on Nov. 18. The Minnesota Vikings running back pleaded no contest on Nov. 4 to misdemeanor reckless assault after injuring his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.

Jeffrey Kessler, the union's outside counsel, specifically stated in a letter to the NFL that Vincent must be cross-examined because he allegedly told Peterson he would not be subject to the league's new personal conduct policy, that he specifically told the Minnesota Vikings running back he would not be suspended for more than two games and that the time spent on the commissioner's exempt list would be considered time served.

Vincent became executive vice president of football operations in 2010 after a 14-year career as a defensive back for the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins.

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Peterson's appeal is scheduled for Tuesday in front of Harold Henderson, a longtime hearing officer who previously worked for the NFL as the chairman of its Management Council's executive committee for 16 years. Henderson was also formerly the league's vice president of labor relations.

According to Mortensen, it is unclear if the NFLPA has documentation regarding Vincent's alleged comments to Peterson. The union has taken issue with commissioner Roger Goodell's appointment of Henderson considering his million-dollar compensation from the league, but according to Mortensen, Hendersen denied a request by the union to recuse himself.

Peterson has not played since Week 1 while dealing with the child abuse allegations in Texas.

- Mike Fiammetta