The beginning of the end for AP as a Viking
It seems as if the Minnesota Vikings have been wrestling with the decision of deactivating Adrian Peterson or not, because this is the second time in less than a week that he has been suspended from the organization in lieu of his recent indictment and pending child abuse charges.
Tonight, the organization has placed AP on the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission list indefinitely, meaning he cannot participate in team activities until his case is resolved.
The Vikings were placed under a high level of scrutiny after his reinstatement this past Monday, after more allegations surfaced of him disciplining another child from a different mother. Governor Mark Dayton urged for the organization to suspend Peterson until the justice system decided the fate of his actions and questioned his return in the first place, seeing as he’s a public figured and called his actions “embarrassing to the state of Minnesota.”
Nike also took action earlier, pulling merchandise from Twin City stores in the area.
The full statement regarding Adrian Peterson’s suspension from Viking owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf can be found below:
“In conversations with the NFL over the last two days, the Vikings advised the League of the team’s decision to revisit the situation regarding Adrian 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.“