The NFL has reinstated running back Adrian Peterson, the league announced on Thursday. His reinstatement officially kicks in on Friday, at which point he can participate any scheduled activities with the team.
Peterson's stint on the exempt list essentially amount to a paid leave of absence, and he was indefinitely suspended by the league in November. During his appeal, Peterson successfully argued that the NFL had agreed in September to reinstate him when his legal issues had been resolved. However, he was placed back on the exempt list once the NFL decided to file an appeal.
In November, Peterson pleaded down to one misdemeanor count of reckless assault, which resulted in a $4,000 fine, 80 hours of community service and a requirement to enroll in parenting classes. The plea bargain opened the door for the former MVP to seek reinstatement by the NFL. When league officials declined to make a decision, the NFLPA filed an expedited, non-injury grievance on Peterson's behalf,
The controversy surrounding Peterson began in September when a grand jury in Montgomery County, Texas indicted the NFL star on felony charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child. The Vikings responded by deactivating Peterson for their Week 2 game against the New England Patriots. The team reinstated him the following Monday, leading to a storm of criticism from sponsors and even the governor of Minnesota. The Vikings eventually relented, placing Peterson on the commisioner's permission/exempt list with the help of the league.
Peterson's stint on the exempt list essentially amount to a paid leave of absence, and he was indefinitely suspended by the league in November. During his appeal, Peterson successfully argued that the NFL had agreed in September to reinstate him when his legal issues had been resolved. However, he was placed back on the exempt list once the NFL decided to file an appeal.
In November, Peterson pleaded down to one misdemeanor count of reckless assault, which resulted in a $4,000 fine, 80 hours of community service and a requirement to enroll in parenting classes. The plea bargain opened the door for the former MVP to seek reinstatement by the NFL. When league officials declined to make a decision, the NFLPA filed an expedited, non-injury grievance on Peterson's behalf,
The controversy surrounding Peterson began in September when a grand jury in Montgomery County, Texas indicted the NFL star on felony charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child. The Vikings responded by deactivating Peterson for their Week 2 game against the New England Patriots. The team reinstated him the following Monday, leading to a storm of criticism from sponsors and even the governor of Minnesota. The Vikings eventually relented, placing Peterson on the commisioner's permission/exempt list with the help of the league.
