Adrian Peterson was suspended without pay for the rest of the 2014 season by the NFL, the league announced Tuesday morning, and shortly thereafter the players’ union responded with an appeal.

As expected, reactions to the news came with the typical fervor.

“I understand that the NFLPA has to stand up and fight for AP, but how in gd conscious can you argue on behalf of a guy who beat a 4 yr old?” — Greg Gabriel, former Chicago Bears college scouting director via Twitter (@greggabe)

“We all know the debate. It is that. We have a system in this country, a legal system that addresses punishment, if you will. And it has varying criteria even as to the same crimes state-by-state. But one thing it does do, it gives each individual the right to step up and have his set of circumstances adjudicated. With all of that in mind, I wouldn’t dare. This is such a convoluted issue. I think we’re attempting to find our place. We have a workplace, if you want to get simplistic, and it is simplistic. I can’t have this conversation without oversimplifying it, and I know it going in. But we have a workplace and we have those kinds of issues to deal with from the standpoint of a team, from the standpoint of a league, and that workplace has public opinion involved. To some degree, the judicial system does not. Although, that’s even a stretch because we know punishment is there for a reason, in terms of sending a public message to society.” — Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas

“From a personal perspective I feel sorry for what his whole family is going through. I know it’s not just about Adrian, but his whole family. So, it still doesn’t change my mind about how unfair this whole process has been and reneging on the agreement they initially had it looks like. I think it shows the disconnect between players and the league office…There’s a lot of disappointment all the way around.” — Vikings fullback Jerome Felton via ESPN Minnesota.

“PLAYERS: You’re ONLY leverage that you will ever have VS @NFL is to band as one and not take the field 4 with & for your brothers. ONLY WAY.” — Minneapolis-based sports agent Blake Baratz via Twitter (?@blakebaratz)