As most dispassionate observers had expected, the arbitrator appointed by the NFL decided that Peterson’s ongoing suspension would continue until at least April 15, 2015. Unlike most dispassionate observers, Vikings fans were rather upset by the ruling:
So maybe Goodell is consistent with punishment after all. The length of suspension is directly correlated to how much ass you kiss his ass.
— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) December 12, 2014
So when did remorse turn into a form of currency? Could you imagine if our court systems worked like the @nfl's appeal system?
— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) December 12, 2014
"I know I killed all those people, your Honor, but I'm super duper sorry about it."
"Well that works for me. 90 day sentence."
#NFLlogic
— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) December 12, 2014
Has Roger Goodell expressed any remorse for having Janay Rice read an apology prepared by her husband's employer?
Asking for a friend.
— The Daily Norseman (@DailyNorseman) December 12, 2014
Curious to know what NFL definition of proper remorse is. Expressed it at court, also in @TomPelissero story. Seems like cherry-picking.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 12, 2014
Arif Hasan discusses the situation here:
After an agonizingly stupid waiting game, the NFL announced that arbitrator Harold Henderson has denied Adrian Peterson’s appeal against the severity of the NFL suspension regarding his incident, which means his suspension is upheld. The suspension is
for at least six games will continue into the next season, starting immediately — meaning he will miss at least three weeks to start the 2015 season though right now is technically suspendedindefinitely.In April he will be able to
reduce his suspension from indefinite to merely six games (meaning he could be reinstated and play for Week 4 of the 2015 NFL season)end his suspension. Contrary to previous reports, the suspension is for the remainder of the season, not six games. He will need to prove some degree of remorse and complete or make significant progress in parental counseling in order to be reinstated. Peterson will retroactively serve the six-game suspension by paying back the three game checks for the games he was on the Exempt List during his appeal after the ruling, per Ed Werder of ESPN.
Arif also quotes the conclusion of Harold Henderson’s decision with a bit of emphasis added:
The facts in this appeal are uncontested. The player entered a plea which effectively admitted guilt to a criminal charge of child abuse, after inflicting serious injuries to his four-year old son in the course of administering discipline. No direct evidence of the beating was entered in the record here, but numerous court documents, investigative reports, photographs and news reports, all accepted into evidence without objection, make it clear that Mr. Peterson’s conduct was egregious and aggravated as those terms are used in the Policy, and merits substantial discipline. His public comments do not reflect remorse or appreciation for the seriousness of his actions and their impact on his family, community, fans and the NFL, although at the close of the hearing he said he has learned from his mistake, he regrets that it happened and it will never happen again. I reject the argument that placement in the Commissioner Exempt status is discipline. I conclude that the player has not demonstrated that the process and procedures surrounding his discipline were not fair and consistent; he was afforded all the protections and rights to which he is entitled, and I find no basis to vacate or reduce the discipline.
Peterson and the NFLPA may now decide to launch a court action, but there is no way that legal action at this late date will make it possible for Peterson to return to the league before the end of the regular season.
Statements from the @NFLPA are the best. #FreeAP pic.twitter.com/CkY6aDhwGW
— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) December 12, 2014
