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Adrian Peterson Shown the Door By NFL With Empty Pockets
NFL has finally decided to send Adrian Peterson packing. The worst part is that he has been suspended with empty pockets. According to USA Today, NFL will only credit his account with some bucks after the 2014 season comes to a close.
The dismissal document was presented by NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, on Tuesday. The commissioner cited lack of meaningful remorse as the main reason for making such a decision. However, Goodell’s decision did not go down well with NFL Players Association because they believe his ruling was not just. The association has promised to appeal the ruling and demand for another hearing presided over by an official without vested interests in NFL.
The association did not hesitate to issue a press briefing that read:
“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.”
According to the statement issued by Goodell, Peterson can only be allowed to play from April 15 next year. Additionally, the statement argued that his chances are pegged on whether he would have responded positively to his counseling and rehabilitation sessions. The commissioner thus meant that the ball was in Peterson’s court.
“We are prepared to put in place a program that can help you to succeed, but no program can succeed without your genuine and continuing engagement,” Goodell’s statement read. “You must commit yourself to your counseling and rehabilitative effort, properly care for your children, and have no further violations of law or league policy.”
The Miami Vikings player was suspended on September after facing child assault charges for battering his own son. As a matter of fact, the player was set to serve a jail sentence but thanks to his lawyer he was able to apply for a no objection ruling which meant he would get a lenient ruling.
Goodell actually wrote a letter to Peterson urging him to corporate because it was for his own good. “The timing of your potential reinstatement will be based on the results of the counseling and treatment program set forth in this decision. Under this two-step approach, the precise length of the suspension will depend on your actions. We are prepared to put in place a program that can help you to succeed, but no program can succeed without your genuine and continuing engagement. You must commit yourself to your counseling and rehabilitative effort, properly care for your children, and have no further violations of law or league policy.”
At the moment, Peterson has two options. He can leave things as they are or take advantage of article 46 on Collective Bargaining Agreement to appeal against Goodell’s decision in the next three days. If his application is approved, he will have the benefit of being backed up by NFL Players Association. Should he be successful in his bid, he will continue to be paid until the court case is completed.
“It is imperative that you to avoid any incident of this kind in the future,” Commissioner Goodell stated in his letter. “Any further violation of the Personal Conduct Policy will result in additional discipline and /4/subject you to banishment from the NFL.”
“The well-being of your children is of paramount concern,” Commissioner Goodell wrote. “In the absence of speaking to you to understand your current disposition toward child discipline, we cannot be sure that this conduct will not be repeated. Moreover, we are unaware of any effort on your part to acknowledge the seriousness of your conduct and your responsibility to demonstrate a genuine commitment to change.
“In order to assess your progress going forward, I will establish periodic reviews, the first of which will be on or about April 15, 2015. At that time, I will meet with you and your representatives and the NFLPA to review the extent to which you have complied with your program of counseling and therapy and both made and lived up to an affirmative commitment to change such that this conduct will not occur again. A failure to cooperate and follow your plan will result in a lengthier suspension without pay.”