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Adrian Peterson: Employment dispute leads to federal appeal

On Behalf of | Feb 27, 2015 | Federal Appeals |

The federal court system is often a forum for a variety of issues that can affect a large number of people. While it might not affect a large number of people, a recent case heard by U.S. District Judge David Doty might interest some of our Oregon readers who are National Football League fans.

If our readers recall, Adrian Peterson has been suspended by the NFL after the outcome of a domestic violence case having to do with child abuse. His suspension was based on new guidelines governing the league’s personal conduct policy. The incident for which Peterson was suspended occurred prior to the implementation of that enhanced penalty clause.

The NFL has already announced its plan to appeal the judge’s ruling, which favored Peterson. In the interim, Peterson is being placed on the exempt list. That means that pending the outcome of the league’s appeal, Peterson can communicate with the Vikings, be traded, have contract negotiations or released. The latter three options would have to occur after the start of the NFL year on March 10.

As it stands, Peterson’s future in the NFL is hinging on the decision made by either the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals or an appeals officer. He also has to find out about his future with the Vikings.

This case shows the vast array of cases that can be appealed on the federal level. The heart of this matter has to do with Peterson’s employment contract with the NFL. That contract includes the personal conduct policy, which dictates how he can behave on the field and off since he is a face for his team and the league, as well as a role model for impressionable children.

Source: ESPN, “Judge rules in Peterson’s favor” Feb. 26, 2015

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