Child abuse accusations have kept NFL running back Adrian Peterson’s name in the news headlines and as of today, the allegations have affected his career in the worse possible way. The Minnesota Vikings have suspended the All-Pro indefinitely.
Peterson was charged with reckless or negligent injury to a child for beating his 4-year-old son with a switch (tree branch). Following a one game deactivation, the Vikings announced that their star player would play on Sunday (September 21). But that changed in two day’s time, as public outrage grew and even the likes of Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton called for the player’s indefinite suspension.
Team owners Zygi and Mark Wilf issued a press release stating:
While we were trying to make a balanced decision yesterday, after further reflection we have concluded that this resolution is best for the Vikings and for Adrian. We want to be clear: we have a strong stance regarding the protection and welfare of children, and we want to be sure we get this right. At the same time we want to express our support for Adrian and acknowledge his seven-plus years of outstanding commitment to this organization and this community. Adrian emphasized his desire to avoid further distraction to his teammates and coaches while focusing on his current situation; this resolution accomplishes these objectives as well.
In a separate statement, the Vikings explained that Peterson’s been added to the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission List, which essentially bans him from team activity until his legal proceedings are resolved.
The Wilfs are expected to hold a press conference sometime today (September 17). Stay tuned for updates.
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Photo: TMZ
