Two days after announcing running back Adrian Peterson could return to practice following his indictment last week on child-abuse charges, the Minnesota Vikings reversed their decision.
The Viking placed Peterson on the exempt/commissioner’s permission list early Wednesday morning in a move that will prevent him from taking part in any team activities for an indefinite period.
The Vikings initially decided Monday that Peterson could remain with the team as he waited for the legal process to continue. The team kept him out of Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots after he turned himself in to authorities early Saturday morning.
Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said they changed their position on Peterson’s status after further consideration. Their inital 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,” owners Zygi and Mark Wilf 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.”
Being deactivated by the team is “the best possible outcome given the circumstances” for Peterson, the running back’s agent, Ben Dogra, told the Associated Press.
“Adrian understands the gravity of the situation and this enables him to take care of his personal situation,” Dogra said.
Tuesday was a difficult day for the Vikings. It included the Radisson hotel chains suspending its sponsorship with the franchise. Several companies and organizations, including Castrol Motor Oil, Special Olympics Minnesota and Mylan Inc. have cut ties to Peterson.
Peterson is facing a felony child-abuse charge after prosecutors in Texas alleged he used a “switch” or stick to discipline his 4-year-old son. Phil Grant of the Montgomery County district attorney’s office said Peterson left the child with cuts on his thighs and hand and bruises on his lower back and buttocks.
Peterson said he did not intend to hurt his son.
A Texas grand jury returned an indictment against Peterson, charging him with causing an injury to a child. The incident took place May 18, according to a copy of the indictment.
Peterson could face up to two years in prison if convicted, according to Grant, who said probation could also be an option. Peterson probably will appear in court “within a few weeks,” the prosecutor said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times
12:02 a.m.: This story has been updated with reaction from Adrian Peterson’s agent.
This story originally was published at 11:42 p.m.