The NFL has reinstated Adrian Peterson following his suspension and his stint on the commissioner’s exempt list, the league announced today. According to the NFL’s press release, Peterson’s reinstatement will be effective as of Friday.
“In a letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell,” the league’s release reads, “Peterson was informed that he is expected to fulfill his remaining obligations to the authorities in Minnesota and Texas, as well as the additional commitments Peterson made during his April 7 meeting with the commissioner regarding maintaining an ongoing program of counseling and treatment as recommended by medical advisors.
“Beyond the requirement to comply with his court obligations and plan of counseling, Peterson was reminded that his continuing participation in the NFL depends on his avoidance of any further conduct that violates the Personal Conduct Policy or other NFL policies. Any further violation of the Personal Conduct Policy by Peterson would result in additional discipline, which could include suspension without pay or banishment from the NFL.”
Peterson, 30, faced child abuse charges last year after physically disciplining his four-year-old son, and was placed on the exempt list early in the 2014 regular season as the legal process played out. Once his case concluded, he was suspended by the NFL for the remainder of the season for violating the league’s conduct policy. Peterson and the NFLPA appealed that suspension and the decision was upheld by arbitrator Harold Henderson, but Henderson’s decision was challenged in court by the union, where Judge David Doty ruled in favor of the running back and the NFLPA.
Despite all the ups and downs in the Peterson saga, his reinstatement ultimately came when we originally expected — the terms of his suspension initially called for reinstatement to be considered no earlier than April 15.
Now that he’s an active player again, Peterson could return to the Vikings and participate in the team’s offseason activities. However, it seems unlikely that he’d do so immediately, considering he reportedly wants to be traded. The former MVP’s agent, Ben Dogra, figures to work on getting his client dealt to another team sometime in the next two weeks, before or during draft night.
The Cowboys and Cardinals have been cited most frequently as potential suitors for Peterson, though it’s not clear if either team would be willing to part with a high draft pick and take on his salary. The Vikings have also indicated they don’t have any plans to trade or release their star running back.
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