Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has not yet been reinstated, but it was announced today that Judge David Doty ruled in Peterson's favor on his appeal of the suspension meted out to him in the wake of the running back pleading no contest to a charge of reckless assault on his four-year old son.
Peterson's father told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press that he believes "this is not only a victory for Adrian, but it's a victory for all the players in the NFL" - particularly pertinent words considering another NFL player currently suspended by the league - Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy - will reportedly use the decision to attempt to get himself reinstated by the NFL immediately.
Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer and David Newton of ESPN both reported Hardy's intentions.
Peterson missed the final 15 games of the 2014-15 season after being indefinitely suspended by the NFL in the wake of child abuse charges. Hardy also missed 15 games after being placed on the NFL's exempt list until his domestic violence case is resolved.
Earlier this month, that case was dismissed.
Doty's ruling in the Peterson case, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, essentially came down to the fact that the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell cannot retroactively enforce the new personal conduct policy.
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith published a press release applauding the decision.
"This is a victory for the rule of law, due process and fairness. Our collective bargaining agreement has rules for implementation of the personal conduct policy and when those rules are violated, our union always stands up to protect our players' rights. This is yet another example why neutral arbitration is good for our players, good for the owners and good for our game."
The ball is now in the NFL's court, with Jim Trotter of ESPN reporting that the league has returned the case to arbiter, Harold Henderson.
