National Football League roundup
Nov 15 (The Sports Xchange) - Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson did not appear at a scheduled disciplinary hearing with the NFL on Friday after agreeing last week to attend, according to ESPN.
The NFL claimed that Peterson refused to give the league an alternative date for the disciplinary hearing, which stems from his arrest for child abuse.
Friday's meeting was more significant than a conference call scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on Monday. The NFL Players Association filed an expedited, non-injury grievance on behalf of Peterson, requesting removal from the commissioner's exempt list.
NFLPA spokesman George Atallah said Peterson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, provided the league with a letter claiming that it is against Texas state law to give the NFL the requested documents.
Peterson has not played for the Vikings since Week One but is being paid his full salary -- $11.25 million for the 2014 season -- while away from the team. On Nov. 4 in Montgomery County, Texas, Peterson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge, was placed on probation and ordered to pay a $4,000 fine. The charge was reduced from felony child abuse for an incident in which Peterson admittedly used a tree branch to whip his 4-year-old son.
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Houston Texans running back Arian Foster will not play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Foster was downgraded to out Saturday with a groin injury.
Foster was injured two weeks ago against the Philadelphia Eagles. He did not practice after the Texans' bye week.
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The San Francisco 49ers added linebacker Aldon Smith to the 53-man roster from the exempt list.
Smith was suspended in August for nine games for violating the NFL's policy on personal conduct and substance abuse.
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The San Diego Chargers placed rookie cornerback Jason Verrett on season-ending injured reserve.
Verrett, a first-round draft pick, had 19 tackles and one interception in six games (four starts) this season. He has been dealing with a shoulder injury four about a month, and aggravated the injury three weeks ago.
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The New York Giants placed running back Peyton Hillis on season-ending injured reserve with a concussion.
Hillis was injured last Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. It is the second consecutive season that Hillis has been sidelined with a concussion. (Editing by Gene Cherry)
