So much for this being a slow time of the year around the NFL. As has been the case over the past several months, off-field issues are making headlines around the league.
Hours after independent arbitrator and federal court judge David Doty ruled that the league could not apply the current personal conduct policy to Adrian Peterson stemming from his child abuse case, reports are surfacing that the league plans to appeal Doty’s ruling.
In important news, the @NFL is expected to appeal the Adrian Peterson ruling handed down by Judge Doty. Explanation coming online.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2015
I am not sure what the league is attempting to accomplish here. It’s clear that commissioner Roger Goodell and company overstepped their authority by imposing punishment on Peterson stemming from an incident that took place prior to the new personal conduct policy being put into place.
Doty’s ruling was clear in this regard.
It also seems to be rather alarming that the league just won’t put this entire situation to rest. It showed itself to be tough in the Peterson situation. And now, Peterson can simply be reinstated following a lengthy suspension. It seems to be a win-win for both sides.
Unfortunately, there’s something to be said about the league office in New York City attempting to flex its muscle against a NFL Players Association that has been considerably weakened under executive director DeMaurice Smith and the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
It’s rather apparent that the league has no issue dragging this process on, even at the cost of the mudslinging that’s likely to come moving forward.
As it is, Doty’s ruling puts the league behind the proverbial eight ball. If it’s not able to employ punishment retroactively, there’s no reason for Peterson to remain suspended.
Photo: USA Today