The Minnesota Vikings have announced that Adrian Peterson has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities amid his child abuse case. The announcement comes as sponsors are increasingly questioning league decisions to keep controversial players on the field.
The running back was indicted last week in Montgomery County, Texas, on a count of reckless or negligent injury to a child, after he reportedly used a tree branch to discipline his son.
The 29-year-old sat out of the Vikings’ defeat against New England Patriots at the weekend but had been reinstated by the franchise, a decision which led to widespread criticism.
However after discussions with the league, the Vikings have placed Peterson on the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission list to allow Peterson to “take care of his personal situation until the legal proceedings are resolved”.
The owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf said in a statement published on the team’s website: “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 organisation and this community.
“Adrian emphasised his desire to avoid further distraction to his team-mates and coaches while focusing on his current situation; this resolution accomplishes these objectives as well.
