The Minnesota Vikings are awaiting Adrian Peterson to return to NFL action, but a lawsuit from Peterson could expedite the process.
Adrian Peterson is set to be reinstated after having his legal issues cleared up earlier this week, but the NFL is pumping the brakes on such a decision. Roger Goodell isn’t ready to let Peterson play right away without further reviewing the case from a league standpoint, which means the Vikings running back may not return in time for a Week 11 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
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On Thursday the NFL told Adrian Peterson that he would not be immediately reinstated, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the decision from the league could take a while to come down.
Considering the way the NFL has handled other disciplinary cases this year, the process could be much longer than expected.
When will the Peterson situation be resolved? Could be weeks. Means playing next week unlikely. As for hearing, unclear if Goodell presides
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2014
In the midst of his article, Florio starts to talk about precedence and the other rules set forth by the league. He also brings up a very interesting point in saying:
"“Players facing suspension under the substance abuse policy are allowed to play until all league proceedings are resolved. Players facing suspension for PEDs are allowed to play until all league proceedings are resolved. Why should the procedure be any different regarding conduct that occurred off the clock, away from the team facility, and in the privacy of Peterson’s home?”"
Florio goes on to suggest that a lawsuit may be in the best interest of both Adrian Peterson and the NFLPA.
"“The procedure is different because it’s becoming clear the NFL and/or the team are scared to let him play. Which means that Peterson and the NFLPA should give them something to truly be afraid of — an immediate lawsuit with a request for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction forcing the NFL and the Vikings to allow Peterson to play until the league resolves his case under the personal conduct policy.”"
Really what it boils down to is yet another fumble by the NFL itself. Roger Goodell considerably messed up the Ray Rice handling, and he continues to, which is why he will lose the appeal. After instituting a Domestic Abuse Policy in which a first time offender is suspended six games, Ray Rice was banished indefinitely.
Josh Gordon appealed his suspension prior to this season and Roger Goodell took his sweet time to let the Browns know the fate of their best player. Finding out days before the season opened, Goodell hamstrung and already struggling franchise.
At this point, Roger Goodell has established that he wants to play judge, jury, and executioner, and unfortunately it is causing problems in the long run.
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