Adrian Peterson’s suspension upheld by arbitrator

On Friday it was announced that estranged Minnesota Viking running back Adrian Peterson’s suspension appeal was denied.

Peterson’s appeal was heard by former NFL executive Harold Henderson last week in Washington, D.C. Henderson was appointed by commissioner Roger Goodell as arbitrator to hear the sides’ cases and issue a ruling.

In upholding the NFL’s initial ruling, Henderson concluded that Peterson “has not demonstrated that the process and procedures surrounding his discipline were not fair and consistent.”

Wrote Henderson: “He was afforded all the protections and rights to which he is entitled, and I find no basis to vacate or reduce the discipline.”

Peterson is reportedly going to appeal the decision in federal court, and is contemplating retirement.

“I feel like they’re handling the situation absolutely wrong,” he said. “I think I’ve been made an example out of. It kind of baffles me how — I have nothing but love for Ray Rice, I’m happy he has the chance to play. But it’s like, how did Ray Rice get reinstated before me, a team has a chance to pick him up, but I don’t have the opportunity to come back until April. When has that happened in any other case in the NFL, ever?”

Peterson assumed that he would get credit for the games he missed while sitting out on leave since week 1. The difference between Paterson and Rice, Ray was given a suspension, served it, and then the NFL tried to swing back with something different following public backlash. I think Adrian Peterson should just take the L on this one.