Adrian Peterson Suspended Again Until Legal Issues Resolved

Following the Minnesota Vikings decision to re-instate Adrian Peterson after an indictment for child abuse in Peterson’s home state of Texas didn’t sit well with many, including a few sponsors. The Radisson hotel chain suspended sponsorship with the Vikings, Anheuser-Busch sent a strongly worded statement to the NFL and many other voices.

Per ESPN’s Adam Shefter, the Vikings reconsidered, and placed Peterson on a special suspension. Peterson won’t be allowed to return to team activities until his legal issues are resolved. He will still draw a salary. With a trial date not scheduled before next year, looks as if Peterson is done for the season.

Statement from Wilf family on placing Adrian Peterson on leave:

“This has been an ongoing and deliberate process since last Friday’s news. In conversations with the NFL over the last two days, the Vikings advised the League of the team’s decision to revisit the situation regardingAdrian Peterson. In response, the League informed the team of the option to place Adrian on the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission list, which will require that Adrian remain away from all team activities while allowing him to take care of his personal situation until the legal proceedings are resolved. After giving the situation additional thought, we have decided this is the appropriate course of action for the organization and for Adrian.

We are always focused on trying to make the right decision as an organization. We embrace our role – and the responsibilities that go with it – as a leader in the community, as a business partner and as an organization that can build bridges with our fans and positively impact this great region. We appreciate and value the input we have received from our fans, our partners and the community.

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.

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. -Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf”

This happened late Tuesday evening, Peterson posted this statement on Twitter soon after the announcement.

Anheuser-Busch, the NFL’s official beer sponsor, issued a statement Tuesday expressing disappointment in recent league controversy.

“We are disappointed and increasingly concerned by the recent incidents that have overshadowed this NFL season,” Anheuser-Busch wrote in a statement. “We are not yet satisfied with the league’s handling of behaviors that so clearly go against our own company culture and moral code. We have shared our concerns and expectations with the league.”