Andy Lyons/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is a step closer to being reinstated into the NFL.
Judge David Doty ruled on Peterson’s behalf in the NFL Player Association’s lawsuit against the NFL.
The judge stated that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acted outside his authority in November, after he suspended Peterson until at least April 15 for disciplining his four-year-old son by hitting him with a switch last May.
“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,” the NFLPA said in a statement.
“This is yet another example why neutral arbitration is good for our players, good for the owners and good for our game,” the statement continued.
The Vikings will have to decide what they’ll do with Peterson — whether it is a trade, restructure his contract, or release him.
Peterson told ESPN.com that he’s had some reservations about returning to Minnesota.
The NFL can appeal Peterson’s reinstatement and NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league will “review the decision.”
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