NFL executive VP: We're not trying to end Adrian Peterson's career
NFL executive vice president Jeff Pash said the league was not trying to end the career of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson when it suspended him for the rest of the season without pay, according to ESPN.
Peterson, who was suspended for violating the league's personal conduct policy after pleading no contest to child abuse charges in Texas earlier this month, plans to appeal the suspension. An arbitrator ruled Tuesday night that the NFL can keep Peterson on the Commissioner's Exempt list even during an appeal process.
• FARRAR: Goodell shows absolute power in doling out Peterson ban
"The critical component of what the commissioner [Roger Goodell] did yesterday was put in place a program that will help Mr. Peterson succeed. It will help him extend his career," Pash said. "We're not trying to end his career. We want to extend his career. We want to have a great player on the field with the confidence that he won't face these kind of issues again."
Peterson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, said he's "amazed" at the way the NFL has been "making these things up as they go along" regarding their treatment of both Peterson and Ray Rice, who is currently appealing an indefinite suspension.
Peterson was indicted on felony charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child in September. On Nov. 4, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault after authorities said he hit his 4-year old son with a switch. He was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine and perform 80 hours of community service.
• NFLPA's DeMaurice Smith: Discipline process 'unfair and arbitrary'
The Vikings reportedly have no plans to trade or release Peterson and will re-evaluate his future with the team after this season.
- Molly Geary
