Adrian Peterson reinstated by NFL, effective on Friday
The NFL announced Thursday Peterson has been reinstated, which is effective on Friday, and he is free to participate in and scheduled activities with the Vikings. Peterson was initially placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List on Sept. 17, and was eligible to first come off the list on Wednesday (April 15.)
The NFL released a statement that reads as follows:
“Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings was advised today that effective tomorrow he is reinstated as an active NFL player and may participate in all scheduled activities with the Vikings.
In a letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell, Peterson was informed that he is expected to fulfill his remaining obligations to the authorities in Minnesota and Texas, as well as the additional commitments Peterson made during his April 7 meeting with the commissioner regarding maintaining an ongoing program of counseling and treatment as recommended by medical advisors.
Beyond the requirement to comply with his court obligations and and plan of counseling, Peterson was reminded that his continuing participation in the NFL depends on his avoidance of any further conduct that violates the Personal Conduct Policy or other NFL policies. Any further violation of the Personal Conduct Policy by Peterson would result in addition discipline, which could include suspension without pay or banishment from the NFL.
Peterson was suspended without pay last November 18 for the remainder of the 2014 NFL season for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy in an incident of abusive discipline that he inflicted on his four-year old son last May. Peterson pled no contest on November 4 in state court oin Montgomery Count, Texas to reckless assault of the child.”
Shortly after, the Vikings released a short statement, saying “The Minnesota Vikings have been informed by the NFL that Adrian Peterson has been reinstated. We look forward to Adrian re-joining the Vikings.”
Peterson now has the freedom to show up to Winter Park as early as Monday, when the Vikings officially start their offseason workouts.
The running back met with Goodell earlier this month to discuss his reinstatement, which was the first time the two sides met since September. Peterson has said he’s ‘uneasy’ about his return to Minnesota and his agent, Ben Dogra, said it’s not in the running back’s best interest to return to Minnesota.
The ball remains in Minnesota’s court, however. He’s still under contract and if they choose to they can trade him or tell him they expect him to honor his contract. Peterson could choose to make things hard on the Vikings by sitting out and not attending any offseason activities.