Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was notified by NFL officials that he will be suspended for the remainder of the 2014 NFL season. News of Peterson’s suspension was made public by commissioner Roger Goddell who released a letter to the troubled running back explaining why.
“First, the injury was inflicted on a child who was only four years old. The difference in size and strength between you and the child is significant, and your actions clearly caused physical injury to the child. While an adult may have a number of options when confronted with abuse – to flee, to fight back, or to seek help from law enforcement – none of those options is realistically available to a four-year old child. Further, the injury inflicted on your son includes the emotional and psychological trauma to a young child who suffers criminal physical abuse at the hands of his father.
“Second, the repetitive use of a switch in this instance is the functional equivalent of a weapon, particularly in the hands of someone with the strength of an accomplished professional athlete.
“Third, you have shown no meaningful remorse for your conduct. When indicted, you acknowledged what you did but said that you would not ‘eliminate whooping my kids’ and defended your conduct in numerous published text messages to the child’s mother. You also said that you felt ‘very confident with my actions because I know my intent.’ These comments raise the serious concern that you do not fully appreciate the seriousness of your conduct, or even worse, that you may feel free to engage in similar conduct in the future.”
Despite the seemingly concrete reasoning behind Peterson’s suspension, according to the NFL Players Association, the 2012 MVP will appeal this punishment, and the Association is extremely supportive. “The decision by the NFL to suspend Adrian Peterson is another example of the credibility gap that exists between the agreements they make and the actions they take. Since Adrian’s legal matter was adjudicated, the NFL has ignored their obligations and attempted to impose a new and arbitrary disciplinary proceeding,” according to the Association’s statement on the suspension. “The facts are that Adrian has asked for a meeting with Roger Goodell, the discipline imposed is inconsistent and an NFL executive told Adrian that his time on the Commissioner’s list would be considered as time served.”
According to ESPN Sports Business Reporter Darren Rovell, “If suspension holds, Adrian Peterson will lose $4,147,059. He has already been given a paid leave of $7,602,941.” That paid leave was during Peterson’s initial benching by the Vikings.
–Jamaal Fisher (@jamaalfisher)
