Saturday 13 December 2014 00:11, UK
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's appeal of a league suspension for a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy was denied on Friday.
Peterson's appeal was heard by former NFL executive Harold Henderson, who was hired by the NFL as an independent arbitrator, last week in Washington.
The 2012 NFL MVP, has not played for the Minnesota Vikings since Week 1 after he was charged with child abuse in Texas.
The running back was placed on paid leave while the legal process played out, and he pleaded no contest in November to misdemeanour reckless assault for injuring his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.
Peterson was suspended without pay for at least the rest of the season on November 18 by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and under the terms of that punishment he is not eligible to apply for reinstatement until April 15, 2015.
In his ruling, Henderson wrote: “Mr. Peterson's conduct was egregious and aggravated as those terms are used in the policy, and merits substantial discipline.
"His public comments do not reflect remorse or appreciation for the seriousness of his actions and their impact on his family, community, fans and the NFL.”
The NFL Players' Association immediately responded, hinting it would take Peterson's case to court.
"The NFLPA expected this outcome, given the hearing officer's relationship and financial ties to the NFL," the union said in a statement. "The decision itself ignores the facts, the evidence and the collective bargaining agreement.
"This decision also represents the NFL's repeated failure to adhere to due process and confirms its inconsistent treatment of players. Our union is considering immediate legal remedies."
