NFLPA wants Troy Vincent to testify
— -- The NFL Players Association has asked that Troy Vincent, the league's executive vice president of football operations, be compelled to testify as a "central witness" in Adrian Peterson's appeal of his suspension, according to sources.
Jeffrey Kessler, the union's outside counsel, specifically stated in a letter to the NFL that Vincent must be cross-examined because he allegedly told Peterson he would not be subject to the league's new personal conduct policy, that he specifically told the Minnesota Vikings running back he would not be suspended for more than two games and that the time spent on the commissioner's exempt list would be considered time served.
It is not known if the union has documentation regarding what it says Vincent allegedly told Peterson.
Peterson's appeal is scheduled to be heard Tuesday before Harold Henderson, who is not considered the "neutral arbitrator" such as Judge Barbara Jones in the Ray Rice case.
According to sources, Henderson denied the union's request to recuse himself, saying he will be impartial despite the fact his compensation as a former league employee is in the millions.
Peterson has not played since the opening week of the season while dealing with child abuse allegations in Texas. He was placed on paid leave while the legal process played out, and he pleaded no contest on Nov. 4 to misdemeanor reckless assault for injuring his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.
On Nov. 18, commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Peterson for the rest of the season and told the running back that he will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15, 2015, for his violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy. The NFLPA called the NFL's suspension of Peterson "unprecedented, arbitrary, and unlawful" in making its appeal.
