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. 

Full statement from the NFL Players Association appealing the NFL suspension of Adrian Peterson. pic.twitter.com/QIf9Cb0dso

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 18, 2014

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

The #Vikings, who had been unsure about bringing Adrian Peterson back immediately, say "We respect the league's decision."

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 18, 2014

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

To say I disagree would b the understatement of the year! And I hope this does away w going on the "commisioners exempt list"!!

— jerome felton (@jfelton45) November 18, 2014

As did former NFL star Donté Stallworth:  

With the NFL suspending Adrian Peterson for the rest of the 2014 season, believe players are rethinking how they "discipline" their children

— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) November 18, 2014

An ESPN Sportsnation poll also found in favor of Peterson.  

According to our @SportsNation poll, 58% of you don't agree with the NFL's decision to suspend Adrian Peterson. pic.twitter.com/cFyQHNhU6N

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 18, 2014

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".  

The irony is that these things are so poorly handled from a "policy" standpoint, that we shift our outrage away from the offenders.

— Scott Fujita (@sfujita55) November 18, 2014

And let's be honest. We, the players, need to accept responsibility in the lack of a real policy. Failed to properly address in CBA talks.

— Scott Fujita (@sfujita55) November 18, 2014

We could have made it a priority. But we chose not to.

— Scott Fujita (@sfujita55) November 18, 2014

But all that doesn't simply excuse rampant abuses in power. Not a fan of AP these days, but union must defend his rights. And they will.

— Scott Fujita (@sfujita55) November 18, 2014

Flawed "policies" aside, there's a simple fix to all this. To a small handful of players: Stop doing dumb shit.

— Scott Fujita (@sfujita55) November 18, 2014

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

Think NFL should tread carefully in judging other's "meaningful remorse." #Concussions #WhatTheyKnewHidSharedAndWhen

— Stephanie Stradley (@StephStradley) November 18, 2014

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?