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NFLPA releases statement saying Adrian Peterson is taking ‘a leave with pay’

By Josh Hill

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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The Adrian Peterson situation has taken yet another turn as the Minnesota Vikings have walked back on their decision to stand behind Peterson playing this upcoming Sunday and have kindly suspended him without actually suspending him. In the early morning hours, the Vikings placed Peterson on the Commissioners Exempt List which basically means Peterson is being paid to stay away from the team.

Or, as the NFLPA calls it in a statement just released about the decision, a paid leave of absence.

There has been little heard from the NFLPA over defending players in the most indefensible situations possible, but this statement is about as much defending as the union can do without demonizing itself. The union officially said in a statement that they have signed off on the Vikings decision to give Peterson a leave with pay.

Per the NFLPA press release:

"“Adrian Peterson made a decision to take a voluntary leave with pay to take care of his personal and legal issues.  The NFLPA and NFL worked with Adrian and the Minnesota Vikings to resolve this unique situation.  We support this decision and hope the best for him and his family.”"

The same is now likely to happen to Greg Hardy, as the Panthers will take this page out of the Vikings book and give Hardy a leave with pay. It’s only technically a leave, as the Vikings are pretty much suspending Peterson with pay but can’t actually say that since such language would complicate the delicate intricacies of the CBA.

Luckily, there are outs like this and Peterson will be basically paid to stay away from the Vikings until he can sort his legal issues out.

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