National Football League

Source: Peterson takes issue with NFL-mandated counseling program

Published Apr. 7, 2015 4:32 p.m. ET

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Mike Garafolo

Adrian Peterson walked into the NFL offices in Manhattan on Tuesday afternoon, presumably prepared to speak about the lessons he's learned over the past year and about how he's changed the ways he disciplines his children.

The question is whether that sentiment, along with court-appointed counseling, will be enough to convince the NFL he should be reinstated, or whether the league will take a hard stance on the conditions it set forth during the initial suspension.

As part of that suspension levied against Peterson last November, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell set forth a recommendation of treatment and counseling for Peterson. But Peterson, his camp and the NFL Players Association have been adamantly opposed to Peterson's partaking in an NFL-orchestrated counseling program in addition to the counseling he's undergone as part of his plea deal in Texas, sources have told FOX Sports.

One source said Peterson and his representatives have been in contact with the NFL's appointed experts but that no formal treatment program set up by the league has been executed. Goodell had stated in his letter to Peterson a counseling plan would be outlined during a meeting with Dr. April Kuchuck that was to take place prior to Dec. 1. (The NFL touted Kuchuck as "an instructor in the NYU Department of Psychiatry and a forensic consultant to the New York City District Attorney's offices and New York courts.")

Goodell made it clear in that letter Peterson's reinstatement would be "based on the results of the counseling and treatment program set forth in this decision." Goodell's letter stated the earliest Peterson would be reinstated would be April 15, with the implication being Peterson would have to fulfill all of the NFL's conditions to be returned to the Vikings' active roster at that point.

"We are prepared to put in place a program that can help you succeed, but no program can succeed without your genuine and continuing engagement," Goodell wrote to Peterson. "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."

A source said the NFLPA, as part of its filed grievance regarding the league's recent changes to the personal conduct policy, is prepared to argue counseling requirements are a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. So far no date has been set for the hearing of that grievance.

The NFL and NFLPA declined to comment on the Peterson situation Tuesday.

Peterson has stated in interviews he has learned a lesson from the charges of child abuse that resulted from his striking his son with a tree branch, also referred to as a "switch." He told USA Today Sports late last year, "I won't ever use a switch again."

As part of his plea deal, Peterson submitted to parenting evaluations and drug tests, has met with a psychologist and has undergone counseling.

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