The NFL upheld the suspension of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy at an appeal hearing on Friday. The appeal; was heard by NFL appeals officer and former NFL executive Harold Henderson.
Last month Peterson pleaded no-contest to a misdemeanor reckless assault charge for injuring his four-year old son. On November 18, the NFL suspended Peterson for the rest of the regular season. He wouldn’t be reinstated until at least April 15, 2015. During the appeal the NFL Players Association argued that Peterson was punished retroactively under changes made to the NFL’s personal conduct policy in August and was subjected to a new and obfuscated disciplinary process, according to USA Today.
"I conclude that the player has not demonstrated that the process and procedures surrounding his discipline were not fair and consistent," Henderson said in a statement. "He was afforded all the protections and rights to which he is entitled, and I find no basis to vacate or reduce the discipline."
The players association also released a statement.
"The NFLPA expected this outcome, given the hearing officer's relationship and financial ties to the NFL. The decision itself ignores the facts, the evidence and the collective bargaining agreement. This decision also represents the NFL's repeated failure to adhere to due process and confirms its inconsistent treatment of players. Our union is considering immediate legal remedies," the players association’s statement said.
Peterson, the 2012 NFL MVP, hasn’t played since week one of the season. He was on paid leave until he was suspended for the rest of the season on November 18. He will still have six games to sit out, which rolls into the 2015 season. He would sit out the final three games of this season and the first three games of next season and would lose about $4.2 million in pay, according to ESPN.
Peterson is expected to appeal the decision in federal court.