The Minnesota Vikings have reversed course on Adrian Peterson, putting him on the NFL exempt list until his child-abuse case is resolved, meaning he will be suspended from all team activities effective immediately, the team said in a news release early Wednesday morning.
“After giving the situation additional thought, we have decided this is the appropriate course of action for the organization and for Adrian,” Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf said in a team news release. “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.”
Peterson was indicted last week in Montgomery County, Texas, on a count of reckless or negligent injury to a child. The charges stem from a whipping incident that reportedly left bruises and wounds to much of his 4-year-old son.
Peterson was also accused in 2013 of injuring another of his 4-year-old sons through a different mother in Texas, though charges were never brought. Those allegations were reportedly filed to the state’s Child Protective Services agency, according to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.
The Vikings had reinstated Peterson on Monday, citing concern for due process and the legal proceedings, before further discussions on Monday and Tuesday with the league warranted Wednesday morning’s reversal.
“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 Vikings’ statement said. “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.”