Adrian Peterson's appeal denied

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Adrian Peterson's appeal for reinstatement into the NFL has been denied Friday, according to reports.

NFL appeals officer Harold Henderson declined Peterson's appeal and upheld the running back's original suspension, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

"I conclude that the player has not demonstrated that the process and procedures surrounding his discipline were not fair and consistent," Henderson said in his ruling.

"He was afforded all the protections and rights to which he is entitled, and I find no basis to vacate or reduce the discipline."

Peterson was suspended from football Nov. 18th for at least the regular season, with his reinstatement coming no sooner that April 15th, 2015.

"His public comments do not reflect remorse or appreciation for the seriousness of his actions and their impact on his family, community, fans, and the NFL, although at the close of the hearing he said he has learned from his mistake, he regrets that it happened and it will never happen again."

Henderson ruled with regard to the seriousness of Peterson's actions.

"The facts in this are uncontested. The player entered a plea which effectively admitted guilt to a criminal charge of child abuse after inflicting serious injuries to his four-year old son in the course of administering discipline. No direct evidence of the beating was entered in the record here, but numerous court documents, investigative reports, photographs and news reports, all accepted into evidence without objection, make it clear that Mr. Peterson's conduct was egregious and aggravated as those terms are used in the Policy, and merits substantial discipline."

The NFL Players Association responded immediately to the ruling:

"The NFLPA expected this outcome, given the hearing officer's relationship and financial ties to the NFL. The decision itself ignores the facts, the evidence and the collective bargaining agreement. This decision also represents the NFL's repeated failure to adhere to due process and confirms its inconsistent treatment of players. Our union is considering immediate legal remedies."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced in November that Peterson would be suspended without pay for the remainder of the Vikings' scheduled season. 


Peterson pled no contest to a November charge of misdemeanor reckless assault after punishing his child by striking him with a switch, a wooden tree branch. He has not seen the field since Week 1 and has been on paid leave since then.