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 Peterson was suspended by the NFL without pay for at least the
remainder of the 2014 season on Tuesday for committing what it
termed "abusive discipline" on his son.
The players union appealed the suspension, saying the crime occurred
in May but Commissioner Roger Goodell imposed a new disciplinary
process on Aug. 28.
Under the NFL's Article 46 (Commissioner Discipline), appeals of
discipline for off-field conduct are heard and decided by the
commissioner or his designee.
Henderson was the NFL's executive vice president of labor relations
until 2007 and has been a hearing officer since the summer of 2008.
The NFL told Reuters he has heard 87 appeals since 2008 involving
personal conduct and drug issues.
 He has heard cases involving such well-known players as Brandon
Marshall, Bryant McKinnie, Josh Gordon, Wes Welker and D.J.
Williams. Since 2012, Henderson has been president of the NFL Player
Care Foundation, which benefits former players.
Henderson's appointment did not sit well with the union.
"The NFL has positioned a former NFL executive and current
consultant as neutral," the NFL Players Association said in a
statement. "Everybody, at this point, can see through what they are
trying to do."
Peterson, 29, pleaded no contest on Nov. 4 to misdemeanor reckless
assault in Texas for injuries to his 4-year-old son caused by his
use of a switch in disciplining the child.
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The switch, a thin, wooden branch with its leaves removed, caused
cuts and bruises over much of the child's body. Peterson was
originally charged with a felony for the assault.
The NFL has been grappling with cases of domestic abuse by its
players, and has toughened the sanctions for those crimes amid
heightened scrutiny by the public and league sponsors.
Peterson is a six-time Pro Bowl running back and the NFL's most
valuable player in 2012.
(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Eric Walsh)
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