Arbiter Denies Peterson Appeal

Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson will remain suspended until at least next spring in the child-abuse case that has sidelined him for all but one game this season.

The decision by arbiter and former league official Harold Henderson upheld the NFL's decision last month to suspend Peterson without pay for the remainder of the season and not consider him for reinstatement before April 15. Peterson was paid during his appeal, but Henderson's ruling means Peterson will forfeit checks totaling more than $4.1 million from the team's last six games.

The NFL Players Association balked at the punishment. Peterson was charged with felony child abuse in September for using a wooden switch to discipline his son. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault in November.

Peterson was paid during his appeal, but Henderson's ruling means Peterson will forfeit checks from the team's last six games. That amounts to a fine of more than $4.1 million.

Peterson told ESPN.com that he plans to file a lawsuit against the NFL and might walk away from the game, possibly even trying to run in the Olympics.