Peterson appeal hearing begins in New York
Vikings back Adrian Peterson did not testify at a hearing where he is trying to have penalty for hitting his child overturned.
ADRIAN PETERSON did not testify at his appeal hearing in New York yesterday, according to a person familiar with the case.
Peterson gave a statement, said the person, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side is discussing the case publicly.
Peterson left without comment after spending more than 3 hours at the hearing.
Peterson is seeking reinstatement after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him for the rest of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Peterson will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15.
The 2012 NFL MVP hasn't played for the Minnesota Vikings since Week 1 after he was charged with child abuse in Texas. He was placed on paid leave while the legal process played out, and he pleaded no contest Nov. 4 to misdemeanor reckless assault for injuring his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.
The NFL Players Association called the punishment "unprecedented, arbitrary, and unlawful."
Hearing officer Harold Henderson ordered NFL executive Troy Vincent to testify tomorrow, over the objections of the NFL, ESPN reported. The NFLPA has a recording of a conversation between Vincent and Peterson in which Vincent allegedly tells Peterson he will be disciplined with time served and a two-game suspension if he attends a disciplinary hearing Nov. 14 with Goodell. Peterson skipped that meeting.
Noteworthy
* Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu will undergo surgery on his fractured left thumb today and could be sidelined until the team's regular-season finale. He was hurt Sunday.
* Browns wide receiver Miles Austin will spend a third night in the hospital with a kidney injury suffered Sunday in Buffalo. The Browns say Austin was being kept for precautionary reasons.