NFL star Adrian Peterson has signalled his intention to appeal against the League decision to suspend him without pay for the rest of the season.

The 29-year-old was hoping to return to action for the Minnesota Vikings after pleading "no contest" to a charge of misdemeanour for beating his four-year-old son with a switch on the back, buttocks and legs.

The NFL says that Peterson will not be considered before April of next year for violating its personal conduct policy.