Adrian Peterson Has No Leg to Stand on in his Appeal

Sep 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback

Matt Cassel

(16) hand the ball off to Minnesota Vikings running back

Adrian Peterson

(28) against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

We are not going to see Adrian Peterson play football for at least several months, and we shouldn’t.

Earlier today, I wrote an article talking about how it would be the right thing to do for the NFLPA to drop the appeal in the Adrian Peterson case. In that, I talked about how even if there were procedural violations, the right thing to do would be to let Peterson take his punishment. Now, it seems that some of the violations might be only in the NFLPA’s mind.

In the NFL statement, they mentioned changes to the Personal Conduct Policy that were enacted on August 28th, allowing commissioner Goodell to give out harsh punishment in special circumstances such as these. The NFLPA responded by stating that the NFL is trying to use an arbitrary process that was not discussed.

Let’s delve a little bit further.

The August 28th memorandum is available to be read, you can see it in its entirety by clicking here. However, I want to take notice of the specific section of the letter that is 100% on point. Take a look:

Finally, and consistent with our Personal Conduct Policy, our own response to domestic violence or sexual assault incidents by NFL personnel will include new elements of evaluation, treatment and family support, as well as enhanced discipline. We will address these issues fairly and thoughtfully, respecting the rights of all involved and giving proper deference to law enforcement and the courts. If someone is charged with domestic violence or sexual assault, there will be a mandatory evaluation and, where professionally indicated, counseling or other specialized services. Effective immediately, violations of the Personal Conduct Policy regarding assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to a suspension without pay of six games for a first offense, with consideration given to mitigating factors, as well as a longer suspension when circumstances warrant. Among the circumstances that would merit a more severe penalty would be a prior incident before joining the NFL, or violence involving a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child. A second offense will result in banishment from the NFL; while an individual may petition for reinstatement after one year, there will be no presumption or assurance that the petition will be granted. These disciplinary standards will apply to all NFL personnel.