Saying that "we made a mistake," the Minnesota Vikings have indefinitely suspended running back Adrian Peterson from the team until the legal matters surrounding his alleged child abuse are resolved, reversing their decision from two days earlier.
The team announced early Wednesday that Peterson had been placed on what is known as the "exempt/commissioner's permission list." So not only will Peterson not play, but he will also be required to stay away from all team activities.
[seealso slug=http://sale-online.click/2014/09/12/nfl-star-adrian-peterson-child-injury/%5D%3C/p%3E%3Cp%3EPeterson is currently under indictment for child abuse for an episode in which he punished his 4 year-old son with a tree branch, also referred to as a switch. Peterson was deactivated by the Vikings in the most recent game on Sunday, but was reinstated early this week.
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf spoke at a press conference on Wednesday, admitting that the team had erred in reinstating Peterson.
"We made a mistake and we needed to get this right. We embrace our role int he community and the responsibilities that go with it," he said.
He added that although the suspension means that Peterson will be away from the team for the duration of the punishment, the organization still supports him.
"Adrian will be away from the team and focus on his personal situation. We will support Adrian during this legal and personal process but we firmly believe this is the right decision," he said.
Peterson has admitted to striking his son, but denied that his intention was to cause serious harm. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter said that Peterson could return this season if his case is resolved.
Whether Adrian Peterson plays again this year will depend on when legal case is resolved. But Vikings intend to bring him back, per sources.— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2014
The NFL Players Association, which represents NFL athletes, said that it had worked with Peterson, the NFL and the Vikings to come to an agreement on the measure. Peterson will still be paid during the punishment, which comes to more than $690,000 a week.
NFLPA statement on Adrian Peterson pic.twitter.com/o5efqZE40N— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) September 17, 2014
Peterson's agent Ben Dogra called the decision "the best possible outcome given the circumstances."
"Adrian understands the gravity of the situation and this enables him to take care of his personal situation. We fully support Adrian and he looks forward to watching his teammates and coaches being successful during his absence," he told The Associated Press.
The NFL also backed the decision.
.@NFL: “This is a good decision that will allow Adrian Peterson to resolve his personal situation & Vikings to return focus to the field”— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2014