Adrian Peterson Suspended

[erpowers]

Goodell in his letter to Peterson outlined a series of mitigating circumstances surrounding Peterson's punishment, including the presence of a child, the use of a switch and his lack of "meaningful remorse."

"First, the injury was inflicted on a child who was only four years old. The difference in size and strength between you and the child is significant, and your actions clearly caused physical injury to the child," Goodell wrote. "While an adult may have a number of options when confronted with abuse - to flee, to fight back, or to seek help from law enforcement - none of those options is realistically available to a four-year old child. Further, the injury inflicted on your son includes the emotional and psychological trauma to a young child who suffers criminal physical abuse at the hands of his father.

"Second, the repetitive use of a switch in this instance is the functional equivalent of a weapon, particularly in the hands of someone with the strength of an accomplished professional athlete.

"Third, you have shown no meaningful remorse for your conduct. When indicted, you acknowledged what you did but said that you would not 'eliminate whooping my kids' and defended your conduct in numerous published text messages to the child's mother. You also said that you felt 'very confident with my actions because I know my intent.' These comments raise the serious concern that you do not fully appreciate the seriousness of your conduct, or even worse, that you may feel free to engage in similar conduct in the future."


http://www.cbsnews.com/news/adrian-peterson-suspended-without-pay-for-remainder-of-2014-season/

[ProfessorGAC]

1. Eeep!

I think this puts the NFLPA in a tough spot. Pursuing the grievance too hard may create the impression that the contract is more important than a 4 year old's well being.

[bluedigger]

4. I think the NFLPA makes some good points in its complaint.

The problem isn't the punishment, which AP richly deserves, but the process the NFL used to deliver it. The NFL needs to stop making up procedures, and come up with an effective and transparent policy to deal with off field transgressions so that players (and their counsel) know what to expect.

And you are right, it puts the NFLPA in an uncomfortable position that will require a lot of tact to avoid looking unsympathetic to the general public.

[ProfessorGAC]

5. We Agree

But, the current system is the one to which both sides agreed. If they want to change it, that should be a point of bargaining for the next contract.

The ship has sailed at this point.

[bluedigger]

6. I think "system" is being charitable.

The whole process is unsystemic. Neither side were prepared for this new "social spotlight" coming to their house and they are now seeing the shortcomings of their agreement. To be fair, I'm not sure there is a lot of precedent for what they need to do available from other collective bargaining agreements. The ship has indeed sailed, and into relatively uncharted waters.

[TBF]

2. I think we need to look at each

case on it's merits and I am delighted that Goodell is not sweeping this particular case under the rug. Peterson was damned lucky this court was in Texas where other depraved individuals (ie the jury) would've probably let him off just as the prosecutor did in agreeing to this deal. I find his lack of remorse chilling. It is one thing to make a mistake and agree to parenting classes going forward. But I fear in this case with his lack of remorse and everyone letting him off the hook we are going to be revisiting this down the road - and I hope to hell it is not when he goes too far and kills one of his kids.

[AndroBaby]

3. Happy to see it

The NFL needs to clean up the culture of abuse to women and children.

[rocktivity]

7. Actually, there was ANOTHER mitigating circumstance the NFL had to deal with

Not even Pardon The Interruption mentioned this:
http://yourhhrsnews.com/federal-drug-agents-launch-surprise-inspections-of-nfl-teams

Way to blow it off the front page.


rocktivity