NFL players association files suit to get Adrian Peterson reinstated to play for Vikings
The NFL Players Association filed a federal lawsuit Monday for Adrian Peterson, asking the court to dismiss an arbitration ruling that upheld the NFL’s suspension of the star running back.
The petition also requested a court order for Peterson’s immediate reinstatement, arguing that Peterson has served far more than what’s allowed by the collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players.
Attorneys for the NFLPA asked to expedite the case in Minnesota, where the union has often gone to contest labor matters with the NFL.
Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Peterson without pay for the last six games of this season and through at least April 15, the result of the child-abuse case that has kept the 2012 NFL MVP out of all but one game this year. Harold Henderson, the arbitrator appointed to hear Peterson’s appeal, affirmed the entirety of Goodell’s decision Friday.
The union argued that Henderson’s decision was biased and overreaching, contrary to “fundamental principles of notice, fairness and consistency” and the essence of the CBA.
Griffin back as starter for Redskins
Robert Griffin III isn’t done yet with the Washington Redskins.
A fifth starting quarterback change this season – this one mandated by Colt McCoy’s aggravated neck injury – means RG3 will get the call Saturday against the Eagles.
With McCoy injured, Kirk Cousins will move up to the No. 2 spot.
Cowboys’ Murray has broken hand
NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray has a broken left hand in what could be a damaging blow to the playoff hopes of the Dallas Cowboys.
Murray was set for surgery Monday and might be sidelined Sunday against Indianapolis. Even though the Cowboys just beat Philadelphia to take the NFC East lead, they might have to win both their remaining games to end a four-year postseason drought. Lance Dunbar and Joseph Randle split carries as Murray’s backup Sunday.
Extra points
Jake Locker’s season is over after the Titans placed him on injured reserve with an injured left shoulder. Locker dislocated his non-throwing shoulder Sunday, and an MRI exam Monday showed he needs surgery today because his shoulder had popped completely out of the socket. The Titans agreed to terms with Jordan Palmer, giving themselves a healthy quarterback to back up Charlie Whitehurst, who will start in Jacksonville on Thursday.
• The Texans are scrambling to find a quarterback. Coach Bill O’Brien confirmed Monday that Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered a broken leg Sunday and will miss the rest of the season. He also said rookie backup Tom Savage suffered an undisclosed injury and will miss at least Sunday’s game against Baltimore. O’Brien has a choice to make at quarterback between Thaddeus Lewis and Case Keenum, who was signed Monday. … Two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy will finish the season on injured reserve, missing Tampa Bay’s final two games because of a sprained right knee.