Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will have to wait until December to have his appeal hearing with the NFL© Tom Lynn / Reuters
Adrian Peterson's hearing for the appeal of his suspension will be held on Dec. 2. And it will not be in front of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The NFL announced Friday that longtime hearing officer Harold Henderson will preside over the proceedings. Goodell has the authority to decide whether to hear the appeal himself or appoint someone else.
Henderson worked for the league as chairman of its powerful Management Council's executive committee for 16 years. He also was a league vice-president of labour relations.
Goodell suspended the Minnesota Vikings star running back for the rest of the season earlier this week after Peterson pleaded no contest to misdemeanour reckless assault for injuring his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.
Goodell told Peterson he will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15 for his violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy.