The NFL Suspends Adrian Peterson Without Pay For The Rest Of The Season
Peterson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault of a child in Texas on Nov. 4. He had been suspended with pay since early September, when he was indicted for beating his 4-year-old son with a tree branch.
Citing the new personal conduct policy, which calls for a six-game suspension for first-time domestic abuse offenders, the league banned Peterson for the rest of the year.
Commissioner Roger Goodell explained the decision in a letter to Peterson. He said that Peterson inflicted "criminal physical abuse" on his son and showed no remorse afterward.
From Goodell:
First, 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.
Second, the repetitive use of a switch in this instance is the functional equivalent of a weapon, particularly in the hands of someone with the strength of an accomplished professional athlete.
Third, you have shown no meaningful remorse for your conduct. When indicted, you acknowledged what you did but said that you would not 'eliminate whooping my kids' and defended your conduct in numerous published text messages to the child's mother. You also said that you felt 'very confident with my actions because I know my intent.' These comments raise the serious concern that you do not fully appreciate the seriousness of your conduct, or even worse, that you may feel free to engage in similar conduct in the future.
Peterson can appeal the decision. If it stands, he can apply for reinstatement on April 15.
Goodell said Peterson could be banned for life if another incident occurs.