NFL Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson Must Change Attitude If He Wants To Play In the NFL Again

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By @calling_allfans

Adrian Peterson

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL announced on Tuesday that they were suspending Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson without pay for the remainder of the 2014 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. In September, Peterson was indicated on a felony charge of injury to a child for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year old son earlier this year. On Sept. 18, Peterson was placed on a commissioner’s exempt list and was basically on paid leave while the legal process played out. On Nov. 4 the Vikings RB pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of reckless assault, a misdemeanor.

The NFL made the correct call in suspending Peterson for at least the rest of the season. They didn’t really have a choice after how badly they, and Commissioner Roger Goodell, handled both the Ray Rice and Peterson suspensions and the issue of abuse in general. Goodell and the NFL had to try to save face as much as possible and show fans and players alike that the league will now be taking the issue of abuse much more seriously. It’s incredibly unfortunate that the NFL and other sports leagues/teams have looked the other way when confronted with the issue of domestic abuse, but the sad truth is that not nearly enough has been done to resolve the issue.

Of course the NFLPA has already announced it will appeal the NFL’s decision, and they have demanded that a neutral arbitrator (not Goodell) preside over the appeal. Assuming the suspension stands, the soonest Peterson could be considered for reinstatement is Apr. 15, 2015. Throughout the appeal process Peterson will remain on the exempt list and continue to be paid.

There is almost no way Peterson’s and the NFLPA’s appeal is successful, but here’s the thing: Peterson could very realistically play in the NFL again, but it starts with him taking this entire issue and process seriously. So far the former NFL MVP has not done that. Throughout this entire saga Peterson has defended his conduct (mainly in text messages to the child’s mother), and he has shown no remorse for his actions. In fact he has been shown laughing at times throughout these proceedings.

American society, for the most part, is forgiving, but individuals who mess up as egregiously as Peterson did must be contrite and take the correct steps to earn that forgiveness. What Michael Vick went through is not an exact parallel, but there’s a common thread. What Vick did was abhorrent to almost everyone, and for those who love animals it’s still difficult to wrap our heads around how anyone could treat them so cruelly; but Vick made it back to the NFL. The main reason is how Vick handled himself — he served his time, apologized, seemed contrite and he has done quite bit of work to highlight the atrocious issue of animal abuse.

Peterson could do the same in his situation and take this opportunity to help shed light on the terrible issue of domestic abuse (both spouse and child). But he has shown no inclination to do so at this time, and until he does there is no place for him in the NFL. The door will be open, however, if and when he apologizes and acknowledges that what he did was incredibly wrong and works to help eradicate domestic abuse.

Justin Patrick is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @calling_allfans, like him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google. You can also email him at [email protected]

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