On Monday, the NFL Players Association filed on behalf of Vikings running back Adrian Peterson a grievance against the league and the team, based on the failure of the NFL to remove Peterson from the Commissioner-Exempt list after his legal case was resolved.
Under Article 43 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a hearing on the expedited grievance must occur within seven days of its filing. In this case, the hearing will happen by Monday, November 17. The grievance then must be resolved within five days after the hearing.
At the latest, Peterson’s status will be determined by Saturday, November 22 — one day before the Vikings launch a three-game home stand commencing with the Packers.
The story goes on to say that the grievance could, as a practical matter, be resolved sooner than that. A conference call will happen as soon as Tuesday between the league, the NFLPA, and arbitrator Shyam Das. The arbitrator, who undoubtedly understands that this matter boils down to the interpretation of the September 18 letter agreement that placed Peterson on the Commissioner-Exempt list “until the criminal charges pending against him are adjudicated,” could inform that parties that the hearing will happen this week, and Das could in turn rule quickly — possibly, at the hearing itself. Nov. 22 is a day before the Vikings Week 12 game at home with Green Bay. We had a report Monday that said Peterson would be ready to go, and has kept himself in shape. However, a day before a game may be a bit too much to ask to have Peterson in the lineup. At this point, if you own AP, you need to let this play out as we inch closer to an ending.
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