|
 Peterson was suspended for the rest of the season by commissioner
Roger Goodell on Nov. 18, after Peterson failed to attend a
disciplinary hearing regarding his alleged violation of the NFL's
personal conduct policy.
In his ruling, Henderson said: "I conclude that the player has not
demonstrated that the process and procedures surrounding his
discipline were not fair and consistent. He was afforded all the
protections and rights to which he is entitled, and I find no basis
to vacate or reduce the discipline."
The union said in response: "The NFLPA expected this outcome, given
the hearing officer's relationship and financial ties to the NFL.
"The decision itself ignores the facts, the evidence and the
collective bargaining agreement. This decision also represents the
NFL's repeated failure to adhere to due process and confirms its
inconsistent treatment of players. Our union is considering
immediate legal remedies."
- - -
 President Obama said Friday during a radio interview that NFL
commissioner Roger Goodell seemed to be making up policy as he went
along in handling player discipline such as the Ray Rice case.
Obama said the Rice case troubled him as it shined a spotlight on
domestic violence in America.
"I'm so glad we got more awareness about domestic violence," Obama
said. Obviously, the situation that happened in the Rice family was
important, but it did lift up awareness that this is a real problem
that we have to root out and men have to change their attitudes and
their behavior."
- - -
Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said he would be surprised if
quarterback Drew Stanton played against the Seattle Seahawks next
week and that he has not decided who will start the Sunday night
game that could decide the NFC West.
Stanton was on crutches Friday after suffering a sprained knee in
the Cardinals' 12-6 win over the St. Louis Rams on Thursday.
"Drew has a chance to return this season," Arians said. "It's a
day-to-day thing."
- - -
Quarterback Colt McCoy is expected to start for the Washington
Redskins on Sunday despite a sprained neck.
McCoy practiced with the starters Friday.
- - -
[to top of second column] |
Johnny Manziel realizes there will be plenty of scrutiny Sunday when
he makes his first start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns,
but he has dealt with that before and isn't worried.
"I think I welcome it. I think I accept that," the rookie said
Friday. "I've been a guy that has had a lot of hate spewed towards
me. Obviously, we saw that at (Texas) A&M, but that's part of it and
I just move on from that and do what I need to do."
- - -
Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer made a tearful
apology in front of the team this week for criticizing Jay Cutler.
The Chicago Tribune reported Kromer made the apology during a Monday
team meeting, admitting he criticized Cutler to an NFL Network
reporter on Dec. 4 after the Bears' fifth loss in seven games.
On Friday, Cutler said, "He apologized to us... it's a dead issue."
- - -
Former All-Pro safety Darren Sharper now faces six rape charges in
three states after he was indicted Friday by a New Orleans grand
jury on two counts of aggravated rape in 2013.
Sharper previously was charged with two rapes each in Los Angeles
County and Tempe, Ariz. He has been in Los Angeles County jail since
Feb. 27.
(Editing by Andrew Both)
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