NFL suspends Peterson for at least rest of season

(AP) — Adrian Peterson was suspended without pay for at least the rest of the season by the NFL on Tuesday.
The league said it informed the Minnesota Vikings running back in a letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell that he will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15 for violating the NFL personal conduct policy — the first example of the league’s crackdown on players involved with domestic violence.
The NFL Players Association quickly announced its plan to appeal, sharply rebuked the league’s alleged inconsistency and unfairness in the process. The NFL’s words were even stronger, with a nearly 1,600-word statement spelling out his path to a return to the field and describing the reasons for the punishment.
Peterson pleaded no contest Nov. 4 to misdemeanor reckless assault in Texas for injuries to his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch. He said he intended no harm, only discipline. Peterson was on a special exempt list at the sole discretion of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, essentially paid leave while the case went through the legal system.
The NFLPA said Peterson was told that would count as time served for any suspension levied, citing an unnamed NFL executive. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said by email the stay on the exempt list was taken into account.
“There were aggravating circumstances that led to the discipline announced,” McCarthy said.