The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ruling slams NFL, supports Peterson
Latest loss could expedite Viking’s reinstatement.
A federal judge has opened the door for faster reinstatement of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, ruling an NFL arbitrator “failed to meet his duty” in a child abuse case that brought national backlash for the league and widened its rift with the players’ union.
This was the second high-profile defeat in the past six months for Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL, that case concerning punishment for former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge David Doty overruled NFL arbitrator Harold Henderson’s December denial of Peterson’s appeal. Doty said the league cannot retroactively apply the standards of its new, tougher personal conduct policy to an action by Peterson that occurred before the policy was in place.
The league suspended Peterson through at least April 15 under the new standard, which arose from the furor over the handling of the assault involving Rice. But Doty said in his 16-page ruling that Henderson “simply disregarded the law of the shop and in doing so failed to meet his duty” under the collective bargaining agreement.
NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith said in a statement Doty’s decision was a “victory for the rule of law, due process and fairness.”
The NFL said it plans to appeal the ruling to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals and Peterson will be returned to the exempt list — which puts him on paid leave — while the process unfolds. The NFL added there could be further arbitration proceedings in front of Henderson before an appeal is heard.
Panthers: Defensive end Greg Hardy is seeking immediate reinstatement from the NFL after a federal judge paved the way for Adrian Peterson’s return to the league.
Like Peterson, Hardy spent the majority of last season on the commissioner’s exempt list preventing him from playing.
Hardy was convicted last summer on two counts of domestic violence. He appealed and had both charges dismissed Feb. 9 when his accuser couldn’t be located to testify.
The NFL says it is reviewing Hardy’s case.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the ruling on Peterson is “irrelevant” to Hardy’s case.
Bills: A person familiar with talks told The Associated Press that Buffalo is in negotiations to sign veteran free-agent quarterback Josh McCown.
Chiefs: Veteran tight end Anthony Fasano was waived, freeing up about $2 million in salary-cap space.
Titans: Left tackle Michael Roos is retiring after playing 10 seasons and 148 games with Tennessee.
Rams: St. Louis released defensive tackle Kendall Langford, freeing up $6 million in salary-cap space.
Cardinals: Offensive tackle Bradley Sowell was re-signed, and freeagent cornerback Damond Smith was signed.
Jaguars: Veteran cornerback Will Blackmon was released. Thursday’s Games ■ (At) Cavaliers 110, Warriors 99: LeBron James scored a season-high 42 points and Cleveland beat the Golden State for its18th victory in 20 games. James added 11 rebounds, outplaying fellow MVP candidate Stephen Curry and leading the Cavaliers past the team with the NBA’s best record for their 11th straight home victory. Guard Kyrie Irving added 24 points for the Cavaliers. Curry scored 18 points, but had only six after the first quarter and was 5 of 17 from the field. ■ Thunder at Suns: Late NBA notes ■ Bulls: Derrick Rose will have surgery today to repair a medial meniscus tear in his right knee, and a timetable for his return will be determined after the operation. The Bulls said Thursday that team physician Brian Cole will perform a meniscectomy, which involves removing the damaged cartilage. ■ Pacers: Two-time All-Star Paul George finished his first full practice Thursday since his compound fracture of his right leg. He is trying to return by Sunday, the date team doctors set in August. But it’s still unclear when George will play in games.
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