The Adrian Peterson appeal just got a lot more interesting.
Peterson contends that NFL executive V.P. of football operations Troy Vincent told Peterson that time missed on the Commissioner-Exempt list will be treated as “time served” for the purposes of his discipline under the personal conduct policy. Per multiple sources, the evidence submitted by Peterson in connection with his appeal includes a transcript of a conversation between Peterson and Vincent.
The existence of the transcript means that a conversation between Peterson and Vincent was recorded. It’s possible, but not yet confirmed, that the raw audio recording also was included in the submission by Peterson.
Peterson’s appeal will be formally presented to former NFL employee Harold Henderson on Tuesday. In addition to arguing that Peterson should get credit for “time served,” the NFL Players Association will argue that the domestic violence policy unveiled on August 28 should not be applied retroactively to Peterson for conduct that occurred before that date.
Earlier this month, Peterson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor assault charges in Texas. He had been indicted in September for felony child abuse after admittedly spanking his four-year-old child with a switch.
UPDATE 4:08 p.m. ET: The NFL did not specifically confirm or deny the existence of the transcript. “Adrian Peterson and the union are entitled to present to the hearing officer any information they believe is relevant for consideration,” the league said in a statement.