Minnesota Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson is being accused of hitting is 4 year old son using a tree branch. Because of this issue, the Vikings have deactivated Peterson for the game against New England last Sundays ago.
After Minnesota Vikings Running back Adrian Peterson was been indicted for child abuse last Friday, the Vikings decided to sit him out from last Sunday's game in which they had lost the game.
After the said incident, Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf sent out an official statement bringing Peterson back to the squad in this coming Sunday's game. Peterson will participate in all team practices and meetings this week. He will also be playing against the New Orleans Saints in their next game.
Peterson has already apologized about the incident. Also, General manager Rick Spielman held a press conference last Monday explaining their reason for reactivating Peterson. He agrees that the photos released were "disturbing" but Peterson is also entitled to due process.
Minnesota Governor, Mark Dayton agrees that Peterson deserves due process but to him, the accusations raised is an embarrassment to the Vikings as well as to the Minnesota State.
Governor's full statement reads:
"It is an awful situation. Yes, Mr. Peterson is entitled to due process and should be "innocent until proven guilty." However, he is a public figure; and his actions, as described, are a public embarrassment to the Vikings organization and the State of Minnesota. Whipping a child to the extent of visible wounds, as has been alleged, should not be tolerated in our state. Therefore, I believe the team should suspend Mr. Peterson, until the accusations of child abuse have been resolved by the criminal justice system.
However, I will not turn my back on the Vikings and their fans, as some have suggested. The Vikings belong to Minnesota - and in Minnesota. This has been the team's only home; and our citizens, including myself, have been its most dedicated fans."
This is going to be a long battle and many will be against and with the Vikings on this issue. Peterson will undergo a lot of scrutiny because of this case and the Vikings will definitely be challenged not until a verdict has been called.
