NFL reinstates Vikings' Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson is officially set to make his return to the NFL.
After missing nearly the entire 2014 season while facing child abuse charges in Texas, Peterson will be reinstated by the NFL effective Friday.
In a letter from commissioner Roger Goodell, the running back was informed that he must continue to fulfill his obligations to authorities in both Minnesota and Texas, as well as remain committed to the counseling program agreed to in a previous meeting with the league.
As stated in the NFL's official release:
Beyond the requirement to comply with his court obligations and plan of counseling, Peterson was reminded that his continuing participation in the NFL depends on his avoidance of any further conduct that violates the Personal Conduct Policy or other NFL policies. Any further violation of the Personal Conduct Policy by Peterson would result in additional discipline, which could include suspension without pay or banishment from the NFL.
Officially being reinstated is the first step in Peterson's return to football. He and the Vikings will still need to come to an agreement on his status with the organization moving forward.
The 30-year-old, who was suspended without pay in November, has played his entire eight-year career in Minnesota, and the Vikings have remained consistent in their desire to have him return to the team in 2015,
However, the fallout from last season's events has created some uncertainty surrounding Peterson's willingness to do so.
Already having solidified his status as one of the most talented and productive running backs in NFL history, he'd certainly create some interest elsewhere around the league if made available by trade.
Either way, with his reinstatement becoming official Friday and the NFL draft just around the corner, there should be some clarity brought to Peterson's situation before long.
For now, he remains with the team that selected him with the seventh overall pick in the 2007 draft.
"The Minnesota Vikings have been informed by the NFL that Adrian Peterson has been reinstated," the club said in a release Thursday. "We look forward to Adrian re-joining the Vikings."