Minnesota Vikings suspend star player from team over child abuse allegations

After a day of public pressure from angry fans and concerned sponsors, the Minnesota Vikings have reversed course and placed star running back Adrian Peterson on the exempt-commissioner’s permission list, a move that will require him to stay away from the team while he addresses child abuse charges in Texas. The team made the announcement early Wednesday morning, about a day and a half after initially deciding that Peterson could play with the team while the legal process played out. Peterson is charged with a felony for using a wooden switch to spank his 4-year-old son and now could miss the rest of the season while the case proceeds through the court system.

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.

Zygi and Mark Wilf, Vikings owners

Peterson was indicted last week in Montgomery County, Texas, after admitting to authorities that he struck his son with a tree branch. The team suspended him last week, but reinstated him for this week’s game against the New Orleans Saints. The Vikings’ about-face came after the Radisson hotel chains suspended its sponsorship with the team, Papa John’s considered doing the same and Anheuser-Busch said it was “disappointed and increasingly concerned” with the negative attention brought to the league by ex-Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice’s assault on his wife and Peterson’s arrest.

Adrian understands the gravity of the situation and this enables him to take care of his personal situation. We fully support Adrian and he looks forward to watching his teammates and coaches being successful during his absence.

Ben Dogra, Adrian Peterson’s agent