The NFL has announced that it has rejected Adrian Peterson's appeal against his suspension from the league for the remainder of the 2014 season.

The former MVP was banned for the rest of this campaign after entering a no contest plea to a charge of causing reckless or negligent injury to his four-year old son.

Arbitrator Harold Henderson, who was assigned by the NFL to hear the Minnesota Vikings running back's appeal, said: "He was afforded all the protections and rights to which he is entitled, and I find no basis to vacate or reduce the discipline."

Peterson will not be eligible for reinstatement until April 15 next year.