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Trisha Volpe

Peterson says he wants to play for Vikings; decision in judge's hands

Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson signs a poster for Brady Vixayvong of Eagen as he and his wife Ashley leave the federal courthouse, Feb. 6, 2015 in Minneapolis.
Brian Peterson / The Star Tribune via AP

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Adrian Peterson walked out of federal court Friday saying he wants to play again, and he wants to play for the Minnesota Vikings.

A federal judge now is considering whether the decision to suspend Peterson from the NFL should stand.

Lawyers for the players' union made their pitch for the running back to be reinstated, telling the judge that the decision against Peterson conflicted with the league's labor contract.

In November, the league suspended Peterson without pay through the end of the season after he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son.

Peterson and the NFL Players Association appealed the NFL's move. In December, the arbitrator, a former NFL executive, concluded that Peterson had not demonstrated that he was treated unfairly and that there was no basis to overturn the suspension. The union took its case to federal court.

The NFL's attorneys on Friday told the judge that league Commissioner Roger Goodell did not abuse his discretion in suspending Peterson, the Vikings' star running back and a former league MVP.

Union lawyers said Peterson was told that he would be suspended for just two games.

"I feel like I got a fair hearing today ... had good arguments, so we'll see," Peterson said following the hearing. He said he appreciated the support from fans, adding, "it feels good to be in Minnesota."

Under the suspension currently in place, Peterson is ineligible to return to the NFL before April 15.