Peterson’s status remains in limbo

In NFL limbo for the last five-plus months, Adrian Peterson’s future with the Minnesota Vikings is still in question.

The path toward resolution of his status has been cleared. The league-union clash over the personal conduct policy, though, has only cranked up.

U.S. District Judge David Doty overruled league arbitrator Harold Henderson’s December denial of the six-time Pro Bowl running back’s appeal. Doty ruled that Henderson “failed to meet his duty” in considering Peterson’s punishment, for the child abuse charge that brought national backlash for the league on the heels of the bungled handling of the assault case involving former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice.

Doty said the league cannot retroactively apply the standards of its new, tougher personal conduct policy to an action by Peterson that occurred before the policy was in place.

The NFL promptly filed its protest to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

James scores 42 as Cavs roll on

CLEVELAND — LeBron James says he isn’t about personal statements. He made one anyway Thursday night.

James scored a season-high 42 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors 110-99 for their 18th victory in 20 games.

James added 11 rebounds, outplaying fellow MVP candidate Stephen Curry and leading Cleveland past the team with the NBA’s best record for its 11th straight home victory.

The Cavaliers did get a bit of bad news. All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, who scored 24 points, injured his left shoulder and didn’t travel with the team to Indiana for Friday night’s game. A team spokesman said Irving will have an MRI on Friday and is doubtful against the Pacers.

Herman’s 5-under tops Honda Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Playing in America for the first time this year, Rory McIlroy’s first shot was a 2-iron out of play.

A relentless wind with gusts that approached 35 mph provided a rude welcome to just about everyone at the Honda Classic except for Jim Herman, who somehow made it around PGA National without a bogey for a 5-under 65 and a one-shot lead.