NFL: Adrian Peterson will remain on suspended list for now

When will Adrian Peterson return to the field?

Depends on whom you ask.

The NFL said Thursday that the Minnesota Vikings star running back will stay on the exempt list until the league reviews his case for potential discipline under the personal conduct policy. Peterson was informed of this Thursday afternoon, two days after pleading no contest in Texas to a charge of misdemeanor reckless assault for disciplining his 4-year-old son with a tree switch.

“As part of the process, the NFL has requested that Peterson submit relevant information regarding his case and meet with designated experts who will make recommendations for the commissioner’s consideration,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a written statement, adding that Peterson is entitled to a hearing prior to the issuance of any discipline.

“Pending completion of the process, Peterson’s status on the Reserve/Commissioner Exempt list will remain unchanged.”

But in its response to that, the NFL Players Assn. indicated the union is ready to fight on Peterson’s behalf.

“Our union worked with the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian’s representatives on a mutual agreement pending the adjudication of his legal case,” the NFLPA said in a written statement. “Now that his legal matter is resolved, we believe it is Adrian’s right to be treated in a manner that is consistent with similar cases under our collective bargaining agreement. We will pursue any and all remedies if those rights are breached.”