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Adrian Peterson won't be playing football again this season. AP/Press Association Images
suspended

NFL suspend Adrian Peterson until April 2015 over 'abusive discipline' of his son

The Vikings running back pleaded ‘no contest’ to the reckless assault of a child earlier this month.

THE NFL TODAY announced that star running back Adrian Peterson would be suspended without pay until at least April 2015 for violations of the league’s personal conduct policy.

On 4 November this year, Peterson avoided jail by pleading no contest’ in Texas to the reckless assault of his son.

In a strongly worded letter to the Minnesota Vikings player, the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell outlined the reasons Peterson’s suspension was so long.

They included:

“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.”

The NFL Players Association almost immediately announced they would be appealing the decision on behalf of Peterson.

“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.

“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.”

As per the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, any appeal will be heard by Roger Goodell.

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