Not every football player is paying attention to the NFL playoffs right now.
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had announced his intention to legally challenge his season-long suspension by the NFL. Now, it appears as if that challenge will be underway in the near future. The first court date has been set for February 6, Pro Football Talk reports. It is believed that Peterson will attend the hearing in person.
"While the hearing is believed to be primarily procedural, individual litigants often choose to attend one or more of the preliminary phases of the court proceedings to show respect for the process, to demonstrate that the person takes the matter seriously, and to meet the presiding judge," Mike Florio wrote.
In this case, Peterson will be meeting Judge David Doty. Doty has previous experience with NFL matters, as he supervised the settlement agreement that preceded the labor deal that was in effect from 1993 to 2010. At one point during those negotiations, the NFL attempted to persuade Doty to excuse himself from the case due to what the league claimed was a favoritism of players. No such claims have been made this time around.
Peterson can apply for reinstatement on April 15, but the former MVP and the NFL Players Association are likely gunning for a decision in time for the start of the new league year in March. Gaining clarity on his NFL future sooner rather than later would help Peterson find a new team if he and the Vikings feel it necessary to part ways. The same holds true if Minnesota decides to try and trade Peterson.
Peterson appeared in just one game this year before missing the remainder of the season under charges of child abuse. The 29-year-old reportedly used a branch to discipline his then-4-year-old son in May that left injuries across the boy's body. Peterson ultimately pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault.
Peterson was one of many high-profile NFL players to be involved in a domestic violence incident recently. Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice is without a team after shocking video of him striking his then-fiancée surfaced over the summer. Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy appeared in just one game this year before missing the remainder of the season for assaulting a female. Just yesterday, New Orleans Saints linebacker Junior Galette was arrested and taken into custody for a misdemeanor charge of battery.
It remains to be seen if Peterson will be playing in the NFL next year.
