Assume for the sake of argument that there’s no other shoe waiting to drop, that the facts are more or less what we presently understand them to be: as an act of corporal punishment, Peterson beat his 4-year old son with a switch and caused the injuries seen in the photos in this Deadspin summary. Assume that this is not the only comparable instance of Peterson beating his children, but that there are no worse incidents waiting to come to light.
In your opinion, what would be an appropriate response from the league and the Vikings?
Length of suspension? Anything from zero additional games to the rest of the season, or maybe one of those “indefinite” bans that allows the offender to apply for reinstatement at the end of the season? Should the Vikings cut him (or trade him, as one report suggested might happen)? Continue to sit him until his legal situation is sorted out? If the league chooses not to act, should they suspend him on their own?
I personally have very little idea what would be appropriate. I suspect he’ll get a harsher judgment at this moment because of the current Ray Rice kerfuffle – probably a 2 game suspension is the least likely possible result. But I don’t know. I feel like his crime is based on ignorance and not malevolence or carelessness, so a big part of me want to say “2-4 games, just to send a message.” On the other hand, the kid is four years old. God damn. That other part of me wouldn’t be upset if they made him sit out the rest of the season.
I’m not sure how to think about this. Anyone else?
Given that Rice got an indefinite suspension even after his criminal charges were dropped, I think precedent requires Peterson to get the same deal, subject to adjustment when the criminal matter is resolved, and depending upon any efforts at rehabilitation, etc.
I don’t think Rice’s case is precendential at all for Adrian Peterson. Rice’s indefinite suspension is, if you believe the NFL, for misleading the investigators and Goodell as to the facts of the case. I don’t think Peterson has lied to the NFL.
Not knowing for sure, but I would think that his actions would fit the definition of domestic abuse, but even if it doesn’t, I think the 6 game suspension under that policy would be warranted. There are a couple problems (the policy isn’t retroactive, and these events occurred in May) with using the policy, but it might be a good guideline.
I think a bigger question is the when. Does/should the NFL wait until the criminal justice system runs its course, or do they step in and punish him before trial? Should the suspension start immediately, or should he play in games until the investigation is complete? Personally, I think the NFL should wait for the criminal charges to be completed, because they have enough problems with their disciplinary issues and jumping the gun here would only increase their issues.
It is not exactly true that Rice’s charges were dropped. He was enrolled in a pre trial intervention program. It is pretty standard for first time offenders in New Jersey. If he fails to meet the requirements while in the program the original charges will be in effect. I know you probably understand this but I still see things like “Why wasn’t he arrested!?!” all over the internet.
I’m not buying a single piece of vikings merch, I’m not going to any games or watching them on TV as long as that bastard is getting a paycheck from them.
I don’t know if Peterson volunteered to sit out yesterday’s game or not. If he volunteers to sit out until the facts can be evaluated to a greater degree that should be sufficient. I assume the facts will not turn out well for him, at which point the NFL (the team specifically I suppose) can terminate his employment. Somewhere between a simple accusation and a conviction the NFL can act, but they at least need time to make a reasoned decision. If Peterson denies the accusation then the details of his contract have to be evaluated to determine what actions they can take.
I think the key here is not what actions the NFL should take in this case, but what their contracts should state about such circumstances so it’s not simply a decision made on a case by case basis.
I am a rabid Vikings fan and I realize that without Peterson the season doesn’t look very good so ------- dump the shithead as fast as possible. I think the NFL needs to follow the “Twelve O’Clock High” plan and pick one team to get all the alleged (note I said alleged) felons, dopers and assorted stupid shits. With Vick already paving the way I’m basically saying we rename the Eagles the Leper Colony.
Peterson should be treated as if he beat up an adult without provocation. If I ran the league, I’d eliminate all violent offenders. Convicted violent offenders cannot play in the league. Accused ones but with strong evidence showing that they did it would be suspended indefinitely until the legal system plays out; they’re cut if they are convicted, and depending on the crime and severity and the proof, may still be cut if not convicted.
I don’t believe in the “well its a violent game, how do we expect them to act?” excuse. Its a violent game while you’re playing. When you’re not, don’t be violent.
Well, sorta. He’s admitted punishing the child with a switch. Whether that action is criminal or not will be a question for a jury unless the case is dismissed or he takes a plea bargain.
The Vikings have reinstated him. So far as I know, the NFL has not acted as I type this. I think the pictures of the injuries to the child, if authenticated, equal the video of Ray Rice punching his wife in the elevator, and a similar sanction should apply. Fortunately for Peterson and the Vikings, I don’t get to decide the issue.
But since (as I understand it) Goodell was the sole arbiter of these punishments when the old policy was in place, is there anything to stop from just saying it’s six games?
I thougt he had admitted it but wasn’t sure. I did see in the link that he seemed to admit it, but I’m still not aware that he has admitted a violation of law. I posed that as a hypothetical. My preference is to look at this class of problems instead of just the individual case. However the photos and his alleged statements in the link are disturbing and I hope the courts treat this very seriously.
I have heard this many times, but not recently. I think it’s not considered acceptable to use as an argument anymore. The NFL and the public have matured somewhat over the years.
I think every player in the National Football League should announce “I have done something in my life that I am ashamed of, so I am suspending myself for one game, next Sunday.”
I have a 10 year old with major ADHD. He’s driven me to anger and exasperation many times.
Even so, I’ve never hit him. And I have a hard time imagining what ANY 4 year old could do that would be bad enough to warrant beating him with a switch!