Report: Vikings' general counsel opposes Adrian Peterson's return
Minnesota Vikings general counsel Kevin Warren and the NFL have been working to make sure running back Adrian Peterson does not return this season, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Peterson told USA Today in a recent interview that he knows "there's people in the organization that support me and there's people that I know internally that has not been supporting me."
The running back was referring to Warren as the person not supporting him, reports Schefter, and there are questions of whether Peterson will return to Minnesota next season.
• BANKS: No winners in sight with Peterson's suspension
The coaches, front office and players have supported and continue to support Peterson returning to the team, according to Schefter.
ESPN's Ed Werder reported Sunday that Vikings' management has tried to get Peterson back on the field this season, despite remaining publicly silent.
The NFL suspended Peterson without pay for at least the rest of the season on Tuesday for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The running back can not be considered for reinstatement until at least April 15.
• Adrian Peterson speaks, says he'll 'never use a switch again'
Peterson had been placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List after he was originally indicted on felony charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child. 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.
The NFLPA announced Thursday it would appeal the NFL's ruling, saying the league isn't sticking to previously announced discipline guidelines and calling for a neutral arbitrator to hear Peterson's appeal.
On Friday, the NFL announced commissioner Roger Goodell has appointed Harold Henderson to hear Peterson's appeal, an appointment the NFLPA did not agree with, as Henderson once served as the league's executive vice president for labor relations.
- Molly Geary
