EDEN PRAIRIE (UNITED STATES) - The NFL Players Association has filed a grievance demanding that running back Adrian Peterson be reinstated based on a deal it says was made with commissioner Roger Goodell several weeks ago.
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson arrives for a court hearing on child abuse charges at the Montgomery County Courthouse on November 4, 2014 in Conroe, Texas
Peterson was placed on the league's exempt list after being indicted on felony charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child. Goodell has said the 2012 league MVP can't play until the NFL finishes conducting its investigation under its personal conduct policy.
But the players' union said it filed an "expedited, non-injury" grievance to remove the Minnesota Vikings star from the exempt list "based on a signed agreement" from September 18.
"We asked the NFL to honor the terms of that agreement last week and as of now, they have failed to respond or comply," a statement said.
"It is our obligation to protect all players' rights, and we will pursue any and all breaches of any contract between a player and his team or the NFL."
The Vikings issued a statement Monday saying they are willing to wait for the league's investigation to conclude.
"We respect and understand the league's process," the statement said.
Peterson was accused of using a tree branch to hit his four-year-old son as a disciplinary measure.
Peterson avoided jail time by reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors last week.
US media reported that Peterson pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of one count of misdemeanor reckless assault and will receive probation along with a $4,000 fine and an order to serve 80 hours of community service.
Following the plea deal, Peterson lobbied Goodell for immediate reinstatement but the request was denied.
The league said Peterson could face further discipline if he is found to have violated the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Peterson has played just one game for the Vikings this season.
He was deactivated by the Vikings for their second game of the season then reinstated briefly before being deactivated again after a backlash from sponsors and fans.