Minnesota Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson has been suspended from the National Football League without pay for the remainder of the 2014 season, the league announced Tuesday. Peterson pled no contest this month to charges of reckless assault after he was accused of hitting his son with a switch.
In an open letter, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told Peterson that the player’s ability to return to the field would depend on his completion of counseling and treatment.
“You must commit yourself to your counseling and rehabilitative effort, properly care for your children, and have no further violations of law or league policy,” said Goodell, who has come under criticism in recent months for turning a blind eye to player misconduct.
Peterson will not be permitted to return to play before April 15, Goodell said.
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Write to Justin Worland at justin.worland@time.com