Adrian Peterson suspended without pay for at least remainder of 2014 season

NEW YORK, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been suspended without pay for at least the remainder of the season after hitting his son with a tree branch.

The decision comes after he agreed to a plea deal for whipping his 4-year-old. The NFL attempted to have him reinstated to the NFL, but the request was denied.

He will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15, 2015 after a violation of the the league's personal conduct policy.

In a statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell laid out the requirements for his reinstatement.

The timing of your potential reinstatement will be based on the results of the counseling and treatment program set forth in this decision. Under this two-step approach, the precise length of the suspension will depend on your actions. We are prepared to put in place a program that can help you to succeed, but no program can succeed without your genuine and continuing engagement. 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.

Peterson is planning to appeal the decision immediately.