Adrian Peterson Reactions: What People Around The NFL Had To Say About The Stunning Decision To Suspend The Minnesota Vikings Running Back For The Rest Of The Season

With the stunning news that superstar Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson would be suspended for the rest of the season without pay by the NFL, people around the league and the wider world in general have reacted with shock, as well as numerous calls for his reinstatement, or simply acknowledging that there's a problem that needs fixing in the NFL. Peterson and the NFL Players Association plan on appealing the decision.  

Unfortunately, Peterson might not have much luck with an appeal, because as pointed out by Deadspin, even though "the NFLPA calls for the appeal hearing to be overseen by an independent arbitrator. But the CBA mandates that Roger Goodell hear the appeal." 

That's the tricky situation; the guy who handed down the punishment then hears the appeal. And in a blow to Peterson's chances of playing while his appeal was being heard - meaning he could've feasibly taken the field this week - according to ESPN, arbitrator Shyam Das has ruled that Peterson will remain on the NFL commissioner's exempt list, meaning he won't be able to play until his appeal is heard. That also likely means he won't play this season. 

Still, the NFL Players Association released a statement today, and say they will appeal the decision. 

While NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported the Vikings response. 

Minnesota Vikings fullback Jerome Felton added his thoughts to the fray: 

As did former NFL star Donté Stallworth:  

An ESPN Sportsnation poll also found in favor of Peterson.  

In a change, former NFL Super Bowl winner Scott Fujita explained that a lot of the problems coming to a head is due to a combination of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the players and the league... and also a "small handful" of players doing "dumb shit".  

It was a varied debate too, with Houston Chronicle Texans writer Stephanie Stradley adding a hint of NFL hypocrisy into the equation: 

What do you think? Should Peterson be allowed to play again this year? Has he served enough of a suspension? Or should he be showing more remorse for his actions?