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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

NFL notes: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson wins appeal

Wire Reports

Adrian Peterson’s suspension has been overturned, but his immediate career future is cloudy.

A federal judge sided with the National Football League Players Association on Thursday, saying the league’s arbitrator improperly applied a new disciplinary policy retroactively to the Minnesota Vikings’ star running back.

U.S. District Court Judge David Doty’s 16-page order found arbitrator Harold Henderson, a former league official, to have issued a ruling “inconsistent” with the players’ collective bargaining agreement.

“It is undisputed that under the previous policy, first-time offenders faced a likely maximum suspension of two games,” Doty wrote.

The NFL issued a statement saying, “We will review the decision.”

Manning, Broncos work on contract

A person with knowledge of the negotiations confirms the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning’s representatives are discussing ways to revise his contract and give the team more flexibility in free agency.

Manning, who has made more money than any player in pro football history, is due to make another $19 million in 2015 and ’16, and his salary cap number for next season is $21.2 million.

Colts extend QB Hasselbeck

Matt Hasselbeck agreed to a one-year contract extension to back up Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck.

A 16-year NFL veteran, Hasselbeck originally signed with the Colts as a free agent two years ago. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Hasselbeck led Seattle to the 2005 NFC title.

Around the league

Atlanta released running back Steven Jackson, who in two seasons with the team couldn’t recapture his 1,000-yard form that made him one of the league’s top backs with St. Louis. … Kansas City waived veteran tight end Anthony Fasano, freeing up about $2 million in salary cap space that they could use to keep All-Pro linebacker Justin Houston. … Carolina defensive end Greg Hardy is seeking immediate reinstatement from the NFL after a federal judge cleared way for Adrian Peterson’s return to the league. … St. Louis released defensive tackle Kendall Langford, who lost his starting spot to rookie Aaron Donald last season.