What’s Next for Adrian Peterson?
With U.S. District Judge David S. Doty ruling in favor of Adrian Peterson’s reinstatement, what’s next for the six time Pro Bowl running back?
It looks like there has been a turn of luck for Minnesota Vikings former star running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson was suspended from the National Football League in fall 2014 for charges of child abuse. He reportedly beat his son with a switch over multiple parts of his body. In the case NFLPA vs. the NFL over Adrian Peterson’s suspension, U.S. District Judge David S. Doty sided with NFLPA who was seeking immediate reinstatement for the star back.
As reported by Ryan Wilson at CBSSports.com, NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith issued this statement shortly after the ruling:
“This is a victory for the rule of law, due process and fairness. Our collective bargaining agreement has rules for implementation of the personal conduct policy and when those rules are violated, our union always stands up to protect our players’ rights. This is yet another example why neutral arbitration is good for our players, good for the owners and good for our game.”
The NFL is planning to appeal the ruling, but if the ruling stands, Peterson will be able to be officially reinstated.
After Doty ruled in his favor, Peterson commented on the ruling at a press release saying, “I was pleased to learn about Judge Doty’s decision.”
As reported by Marc Sessler at NFL.com, Peterson went on to say, “It is a positive step in protecting players’ rights and preserving due process for all players…It also brings me one step closer to getting back on the football field and playing the sport I love. As I prepare for my return to football, I am still focused on my family and continue to work to become a better father every day. I want to express my gratitude for all of the support I have received from the fans, NFLPA, Jeffrey Kessler, and my agents Ben Dogra, Tracy Lartigue, and Mark Heligman from Relativity Sports.”
So what does this mean for the six-time Pro Bowl running back?
The original date the NFL set as the earliest Peterson could be reinstated was April 15. However, now that Doty has ruled his suspension to be lifted, it is only a matter of time before he is officially reinstated.
So if he is reinstated, where will Peterson end up? There is a good chance he may not end up back on the Minnesota Vikings roster. However, the Vikings head coach, Mike Zimmer, has made it clear he does want Peterson back and thinks they could offer him the most profitable deal.
As reported by Marc Sessler at NFL.com, Peterson’s father commented on his son’s possible options if he did not return to the Vikings: “I’ve heard rumors, Arizona,”Peterson’s father said. “I’ve also heard the rumors of Indianapolis and the Colts, going there with a quarterback the caliber of (Andrew) Luck. I’ve also heard the Cowboys, coming back home with the Cowboys, behind that offensive line that they have.”
