Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson could face a suspension from the NFL regardless of the outcome of his trial.
According to a report, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson could be subject to discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy regardless of whether he is convicted on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported Sunday morning on “NFL Countdown” that Peterson could still be subject to an NFL-imposed suspension.
"“If Adrian Peterson is found not guilty of a felony abuse charge in Texas, he still could face a personal-conduct suspension without pay,” Mortensen reported. “One area of consensus that was reaffirmed at league meetings is that violation of workplace rules and a personal-conduct violation should not require a conviction.“Any facts established in a league proceeding can be found as a personal-conduct violation regardless of the legal outcome.”"
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Mortensen cited precedent for this use of the personal conduct policy in prior suspensions to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, then-Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall and Adam Jones, when the cornerback was still with the Tennessee Titans.
Peterson’s trial is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 1, meaning his season is in all likelihood over.
However, the trial date could be pushed back. Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon said he intends to file a motion to recuse Judge Kelly Case, according to ABC News.
The judge called each lead attorney in the case a “media whore.” He later apologized, saying the comment was meant as a joke.
A Nov. 4 hearing is set on whether or not a new judge will be assigned. Case said the trial would likely begin Dec. 1 if he retains the case.
Peterson is facing up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
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