|
 U.S. District Judge David Doty said he would rule at a later date
in the NFL Players Association challenge to the suspension of
Peterson, which was handed down Nov. 18.
"I feel like I got a fair hearing today and I really appreciate all
the support from my fans," Peterson said outside the courthouse. "It
feels good to be in Minnesota."
A Texas grand jury indicted Peterson last September on felony child
abuse charges after he whipped his 4-year-old son with a switch, a
thin tree branch with its leaves removed.
He was placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List, taking him off the
field with pay until his legal issues were settled. After pleading
no contest to a lesser charge on Nov. 4, the NFL suspended him
without pay until at least April 15.
Peterson's suspension was upheld on Dec. 12 by arbitrator Harold
Henderson, but the union feels Henderson, a former NFL executive
hand-picked by Commissioner Roger Goodell to hear the case, was not
impartial.
 "He's not in any way neutral," attorney Jeffrey Kessler, who
represents the union, told Doty.
The union also believes Peterson was unfairly disciplined by the NFL
since the incident with his son occurred in May - before the
league's new personal conduct policy was unveiled.
The tougher policy, which NFL owners unanimously endorsed on Dec.
10, includes specific criteria on paid leave for people charged with
a violent crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault or
child abuse.
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Daniel Nash, an attorney representing the NFL, told Doty
retroactivity was "a red herring" and Goodell had the authority to
impose the suspension. Henderson heard the evidence and found
Peterson's suspension fair and consistent, he said.
Should Doty rule in favor of the NFL, Peterson could take the case
to the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
Peterson, a six-time Pro Bowler, will be 30 years old next month and
it is unclear whether the Vikings will want him back or have the
eight-year NFL veteran hit the open market. Free agency begins March
10 in the NFL.
When asked by a reporter if he wanted to return to the Vikings,
Peterson replied, "Of course."
The NFL fined Peterson $4.1 million, or six weeks' pay, from his
$11.75 million salary last season. His contract runs through the
2017 season, including $12.75 million for the upcoming campaign, but
there is no guaranteed money remaining.
(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Grant McCool
and Alan Crosby)
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