Arbitrator Rules That NFL Can Keep Adrian Peterson On Exempt List

Update:

Arbitrator Shyam Das has ruled the NFL can keep Vikings RB Adrian Peterson on the commissioner’s exempt list, according to Tom Pelissero.

“The relief sought by Adrian Peterson and the NFLPA is denied,” Das said of his ruling, per Pelissero.

• Pelissero adds that Peterson’s appeal has not been filed with the NFL, but it’s likely to happen in the near future.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the NFL has decided to suspend RB Adrian Peterson for the remainder of the 2014 season.

• Schefter adds that Peterson has filed an immediate appeal of the league’s decision.

The NFL has released a lengthy statement regarding their decision to suspend Peterson.

“You have shown no meaningful remorse for your conduct,” Goodell wrote in a statement explaining their decision to suspend Peterson. “When indicted, you acknowledged what you did but said that you would not ‘eliminate whooping my kids’ and defended your conduct in numerous published text messages to the child’s mother. You also said that you felt ‘very confident with my actions because I know my intent.’ These comments raise the serious concern that you do not fully appreciate the seriousness of your conduct, or even worse, that you may feel free to engage in similar conduct in the future.”

The Players Association has issued a statement of their own, which question the credibility of the NFL:

“The decision by the NFL to suspend Adrian Peterson is another example of the credibility gap that exists between the agreements they make and the actions they take. Since Adrian’s legal matter was adjudicated, the NFL has ignored their obligations and attempted to impose a new and arbitrary disciplinary proceeding.

The facts are that Adrian has asked for a meeting with Roger Goodell, the discipline imposed is inconsistent and an NFL executive told Adrian that his time on the Commissioner’s list would be considered as time served.

The NFLPA will appeal this suspension and will demand that a neutral arbitrator oversee the appeal.

We call on the NFL Management Council to show our players and our sponsors leadership by committing to collective bargaining so a fair personal conduct policy can be implemented as quickly as possible.”

Here’s the Vikings statement regarding the matter:

“The NFL has informed the Vikings of today’s decision regarding Adrian Peterson. We respect the league’s decision and will have no further comment at this time.”

It’s interesting that the NFLPA mentions that they spoke to an NFL executive, who said that they would consider the time served while on the Commissioner’s exempt list.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that “if it can be substantiated, it would at a minimum throw a wrench into the NFL’s effort to transform Peterson’s eventual no-contest plea on misdemeanor assault charges into a whopping 15-game suspension, nine of which came with pay.”

Should Peterson’s suspension stand, he will be required to undergo a counseling and treatment program and, in order to be reinstated for the 2015 season, Peterson must not be involved in any other violations of the law or of league policy.

Peterson, 29, is in the fourth year of his  seven-year, $96 million contract that includes $36 million guaranteed. His remaining base salaries will be: 12.75 million (2015), $14.75 million (2016), and $16.75 million (2017).