News broke earlier today that a US District Judge has overturned the suspension of Adrian Peterson. Peterson has been suspended since November 18th (after being inactive since week one) due to an “incident of abusive discipline” toward his son.
Judge Doty has ruled in favor of Adrian Peterson. His suspension was lifted, source said. NFLPA motion granted.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2015
“Petition to vacate the arbitration award was granted,” Judge Doty remarked, according to Rapoport. “Case was remanded for further proceedings … as the (collective bargaining agreement) may permit.”
The NFL says it will “review the decision” by Judge Doty to make Peterson immediately eligible. According to NFL Media’s Albert Breer, the league has the ability to seek a circuit court injunction to keep Peterson from being reinstated.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that Peterson is immediately reinstated….
Adrian Peterson isn't officially reinstated. Case was sent back to Henderson, so arbitration is possible. But court's decision was clear.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 26, 2015
There is still a process to go through but it sounds like Judge Doty has been heard and that it should clear the way for Peterson’s return.
Now…what of the relationship between the Vikings and Peterson?
Peterson has a base salary of $12.75 million in 2015 and counts $15.4 million toward the cap. If the Vikings were to cut Peterson, who has a non-guaranteed contract, they would take a $2.4 million cap hit this season.
On the field, Peterson is a tremendous talent and at 29 still looks to have plenty of tread left on his tires. The question now for Minnesota, is if he’s worth the media scrutiny and possible public relations issue of keeping him.
[NFL]
