NFL upholds Adrian Peterson's suspension, denies appeal

An NFL appeals officer upheld Adrian Peterson's suspension on Friday, calling the case "one of the most egregious cases of domestic violence" he has seen, USA Today reports.

"I conclude that the player has not demonstrated that the process and procedures surrounding his discipline were not fair and consistent," Harold Henderson wrote in his decision. "(H)e was afforded all the protections and rights to which he is entitled."

While Peterson is eligible for reinstatement as early as April 15, 2015, the Minnesota Vikings star must forfeit six game checks from the 2014 season — one for each remaining game when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Peterson on Nov. 18 — adding up to about $4.147 million in salary losses.

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Peterson allegedly used a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son in May; he pled no contest in November to a misdemeanor reckless assault charge. The NFL Players Association said it is considering "immediate legal remedies," noting Henderson's long-standing professional and financial ties to the NFL, along with Goodell's decision to alter the league's personal conduct policy in August, subjecting Peterson to new, retroactive disciplinary measures.