NFLPA Files Grievance on Behalf of Adrian Peterson, NFL Responds

Last week embattled Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson reached a deal with prosecutors in Houston, where he pleaded no contest reckless assault. The plea reduced the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor and allowed Peterson to avoid jail time.

Following the indictment Peterson was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, which is basically an indefinite suspension with pay, where he has remained since Sept. 18. With his case now officially adjudicated, provided he fulfills the terms set forth by the court, last week the NFLPA sent a letter to the NFL demanding Peterson’s immediate reinstatement.

A demand that was immediately denied. The league began a review of Peterson’s case on Thursday, but said he will remain on paid leave pending its completion. Of the process, one source told ESPN, “There’s no hurry but no delay either.”

The NFL’s nonchalance regarding the matter hasn’t been sitting well with the NFLPA, which on Monday filed a grievance on Peterson’s behalf. The union is accusing the league of violating the agreement reached in Sept., as well as the CBA, by dragging their feet with his reinstatement.

It didn’t take long for the NFL to issue their own response:

We have received the NFLPA’s grievance on behalf of Adrian Peterson. We have honored our commitment to Mr. Peterson and the NFLPA not to process or impose any discipline until the criminal charges pending in Texas were resolved. When Mr. Peterson decided not to contest criminal charges, we promptly advised both him and the NFLPA that we were prepared to consider what, if any, discipline should now be imposed under the Personal Conduct Policy. We asked Mr. Peterson and his representatives, including the NFLPA, for relevant information. We have not received any of the requested information, but remain prepared to schedule a hearing and make a determination as quickly as possible based on as much information as available.

The league is denying any wrongdoing and turned the tables,  blaming Peterson’s legal and union representatives for the delaying the investigation by not providing requested information in a timely manner.

With little common ground to be found, both sides seem to be digging in their heels. The NFLPA has promised a fight and the NFL shows no signs of backing down to their demands.

At this point there is no clear timetable for Peterson’s return.