Drama is in the air surrounding both the National Football League and the association tasked with protecting players from the unjust power of some within the league’s office.
Shortly after it was reported that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson would potentially be subject to discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) released a statement on Thursday evening.
Our union worked with the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian’s representatives on a mutual agreement pending the adjudication of his legal case. Now that his legal matter is resolved, we believe it is Adrian’s right to be treated in a manner that is consistent with similar cases under our collective bargaining agreement. We will pursue any and all remedies if those rights are breached.
Reading between the lines here, the NFLPA is not going to sit back and simply let Roger Goodell and Co. impose a suspension on Peterson after he’s been away from the Vikings since Week 1 dealing with a recently concluded child abuse case.
Some may indicate that NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith doesn’t have a leg to stand on here, but that’s not going to stop him from doing what’s best for a player he’s tasked with defending.
The issue here is that Peterson agreed to go on the commissioner’s list following an indictment on child abuse charges in September. And while the legalities have played out, Goodell is the only person with the authority to reinstate Peterson.
Reports came out on Wednesday that the league denied Peterson’s request for immediate reinstatement following a plea deal he reached with authorities in the state of Texas.
Then on Thursday, another report suggested that Peterson’s case will be reviewed under the league’s personal conduct policy and that he could very well be suspended.
Grab your popcorn, this is going to be fun.