Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will be reinstated by the NFL on Friday. The NFL announced the news on Thursday.
After he is reinstated Peterson can participate in all scheduled activities with the Vikings. Peterson was suspended last November for the rest of the season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. On November 4 he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless injury charges after injuring his son while disciplining him. After the first game of the season last year he was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list and was able to come off that list on Wednesday.
Peterson has three years left on his contract with the Vikings and is scheduled to make $13 million this year plus a workout bonus and would count $15.4 million against the salary cap, according to Fox Sports. The Vikings have said that they won’t trade or release Peterson, despite the fact that Peterson doesn’t want to be with the Vikings. Vikings coach Mike Zimmerman expects Peterson to honor his contract.
"Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings was advised today that effective tomorrow he is reinstated as an active NFL player and may participate in all scheduled activities with the Vikings,” the NFL said in a statement. "In a letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell, Peterson was informed 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. Beyond the requirement to comply with his court obligations and plan of counseling, Peterson was reminded that his continuing participation in the NFL depends on his avoidance of any further conduct that violates the Personal Conduct Policy or other NFL policies. Any further violation of the Personal Conduct Policy by Peterson would result in additional discipline, which could include suspension without pay or banishment from the NFL.”
Peterson was drafted by the Vikings in 2007. Last year he played in one game, the first game of the season, and rushed for 75 yards. He is the face of the Vikings and is the Vikings all-time rushing leader with 10,190 yards, according to USA Today. He is a six-time Pro Bowler and was the league MVP in 2012.
It will be interesting to see if Peterson stays with the Vikings or goes somewhere else.
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