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 "It is a positive step in protecting players' rights and
preserving due process for all players," Peterson said in a press
release one day after Doty granted an NFL Players Association motion
to vacate a previous ruling by an arbitrator.
"It also brings me one step closer to getting back on the football
field and playing the sport I love."
The NFL has appealed the decision by Doty, who ruled that National
Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell acted beyond his
authority in November when he suspended Peterson, the league's most
valuable player in 2012, until at least April 15.
The federal judge said the NFL could not retroactively suspend
Peterson under a new personal conduct policy announced by Goodell in
December for behavior that occurred under the old code.
 Peterson had pleaded no contest in Conroe, Texas, in November to a
misdemeanor assault charge for spanking his son with a switch. He
was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine and perform community service.
After Peterson's plea, Goodell suspended him. Third-party arbitrator
Harold Henderson, a longtime NFL executive, denied Peterson's appeal
on Dec. 12, leading the players union to file suit.
Peterson played just one game last season after being arrested in
September. He was placed on the commissioner's exempt list, taking
him off the field but allowing him to retain his $11.75 million
salary.
"As I prepare for my return to football, I am still focused on my
family and continue to work to become a better father every day,"
Peterson said in his statement.
[to top of second column] |
Whether or not Peterson remains with the Vikings is another
question.
If the Vikings want him back, they could just retain him, or, if
they think his $13 million salary for 2015 is too expensive, could
try to restructure his contract. The team is also free to trade
Peterson once the NFL year begins March 10.
Peterson's father, Nelson, says he has heard of three teams
interested in the six-time Pro Bowl running back.
"I've heard rumors, Arizona," he said. "I've also heard the rumors
of Indianapolis and the Colts. I've also heard the Cowboys."
(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Gene Cherry)
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