2014 Year in Review: September Edition

Domestic violence brought to light in NFL

Sep 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Vikings defeated the Rams 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Months earlier we talked about Ray Rice and his issues throughout the year dating back to an incident where he hit his then-fiancée after a long night at an Atlantic City casino. While Ray Rice (and Commissioner Roger Goodell) were handling if/when the Ravens running back would return, another domestic violence case was brought to the national attention and it was another star running back who was on the hot stove. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was indicted on September 11, for abusing his child as a means of punishment. Peterson was indicted in his home state of Texas and almost immediately flew down to face the impending charges. The Vikings deactivated Peterson and has not stepped foot on the football field since. Peterson’s pleaded no contest to the charges and by doing so avoided jail time, instead he was sentenced to 80 hours of community service as well as fined 4,000. In November 2014, arbitrator Shaym Das ruled in favor of the NFL against having Peterson resume playing football during the 2014 season.