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Adrian Peterson releases statement about suspension being overturned

By Sam Richmond

Sep 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Vikings defeated the Rams 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Vikings defeated the Rams 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has released a lengthy statement in regards to his NFL suspension being overturned by a judge on Thursday.

Judge David S. Doty overturned the NFL’s indefinite suspension of Adrian Peterson on Thursday, a big step towards the Minnesota Vikings running back returning to the field in 2015.

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Peterson released a statement about the decision on Friday, calling the reversal a “positive step in protecting players’ rights.”

His full statement to ESPN’s Josina Anderson reads:

"“I was pleased to learn about Judge Doty’s decision. 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.”"

Still, Peterson’s future remains up in the air.

The NFL is appealing the decision and said in a released statement that they “believe strongly that Judge Doty’s order is incorrect and fundamentally at odds with well-established legal precedent governing the district court’s role in reviewing arbitration decisions.”

Furthermore, while Peterson is under contract with the Vikings until the end of next season, it is not yet known whether he will be back with the team next season. Peterson’s agent reportedly told Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski that his client would never play for the team again. Also, Peterson did not mention the Vikings in his statement, which could be telling in regards to his thoughts on the team..

Peterson has been one of most dominant backs in the NFL throughout his career. In 2013, he rushed for 1,266 yards and 12 touchdowns on 279 attempts.

The NFL suspended Peterson in November after he pleaded no contest to one count of misdemeanor reckless assault.

The Vikings drafted Peterson with the No. 7 pick in the 2007 NFL draft out of Oklahoma.

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