May 19, 2015 - Aaron Wilson
NFLPA files motion in federal court in Adrian Peterson case to hold NFL, Goodell in contempt of court
The NFL Players Association filed a motion in federal court in the Adrian Peterson case.
The NFLPA claims that commissioner Roger Goodell and the league have ignored the court's decision and asked that they be held in contempt of court.
NFLPA president Eric Winston issued the following statement:
"Today, the players filed a motion in Federal Court in the Adrian Peterson matter because the Commissioner and NFL have deliberately ignored both the Court's decision from eleven weeks ago and our repeated requests to comply with that order. On February 26th, the NFL was ordered to change their decision in the Peterson matter and reissue a ruling consistent with our collective bargaining agreement. The Union made multiple requests to the League office asking the arbitrator, who serves at the direction of the Commissioner, to comply with the law and avoid further litigation. Despite our attempts, they have done nothing and leave us no choice but to seek this motion.
"The delay tactics, inconsistencies and arbitrary decision making of the League has continued to hurt the rights of players, the credibility of the League office and the integrity of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. In the absence of any action by the NFL's governing board of owners, the players have acted to hold the NFL accountable to our players, the CBA and to the law."
Meanwhile, the NFL has responded to the union's legal filing.
"There is no basis for the union's action," the NFL said. "The district court's decision on Adrian Peterson is on appeal to the Eighth Circuit. In the meantime, Mr. Peterson was reinstated more than a month ago and he may fully participate in team activities. The remaining disciplinary issue concerns the amount of 2014 pay to be forfeited by Mr. Peterson and that issue is presently before the Court of Appeals."
Follow me on Twitter: @RavensInsider
Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun
Peterson's suspension was overturned on February 26 by U.S. District Judge David S. Doty. Peterson was initially placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List, and then officially reinstated by the league on April 17.
The latest Around The NFL Podcas