Vikings go back on decision, bans Adrian Peterson from playing
Two days after announcing that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson could return to practice with the squad, the NFL team has reversed their decision.
Peterson, who was indicted last week on a felony child-abuse charge, was placed on exempt/commissioner’s permission list. The move prevents him from taking part in any team activities indefinitely.
Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said they changed their position on Peterson’s status after further consideration. Their initial decision was met with heavy criticism.“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,” the Wilfs said in a statement. “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. We will support Adrian during this legal and personal process, but we firmly believe and realize this is the right decision. We hope that all of our fans can respect the process that we have gone through to reach this final decision.”
Read more at Los Angeles Times
The Vikings saw a loss of sponsors on Tuesday. The Radisson hotel suspended its sponsorship with the franchise, and several other companies and organizations, including Castrol Motor Oil and Mylan Inc. have cut their ties to Peterson.
Texas prosecutors allege that Peterson used a switch to discipline his 4-year-old son. The child was left with cuts and bruises on his thighs hand, buttocks and back.
Thoughts on the Vikings’ decision to reverse Peterson’s ability to play? Do the sponsorships have more of an impact on the decision than Peterson’s actions?
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