WATCH: The Minnesota Vikings have changed their position on Adrian Peterson- who’s facing child abuse charges.
Adrian Peterson has been one of the most popular and marketable stars in the NFL, an approachable superstar with an inspirational comeback story that made him an endorser’s dream.
Now he’s been ordered to stay away from all team activities after days of mountain criticism of him and his team, following a felony charge of child abuse for spanking his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.
READ MORE: Adrian Peterson to play in Sunday game after child abuse charges
“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,” said team owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf in a statement.
“We support Adrian during this legal and person 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.”
The Vikings have Peterson on the exempt/commissioner’s permission list.
Originally the team sat Peterson for the 30-7 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday while they tried to gather more information about the case. After reviewing files, speaking to Peterson, his attorney and authorities, the Wilfs decided to reinstate Peterson and he planned to play this weekend at New Orleans.
WATCH: Vikings GM Rick Spielman explains the decision to reactivate his star running Adrian Peterson after being charged with child abuse
However, several sponsors began distancing themselves.
The Radisson hotel chain had suspended its relationship with the Vikings. Special Olympics Minnesota, Castrol Motor Oil and Mylan Inc. severed ties with Peterson and Nike stores in the Twin Cities have stopped selling merchandise with his name on it.
And Peterson’s All Day Foundation, which has been devoted to helping children, put up and took down a series of statements on its website before shutting it down, including one that said it “will re-engage after Adrian, his family, and staff have reflected on how the current situation impacts the direction for Adrian’s philanthropy.”
“It is an awful situation,” said Gov. Mark Dayton, who spearheaded an effort to secure $477 million in public funding for a stadium that is being built downtown. “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.”
Anheuser-Busch said it was “disappointed and increasingly concerned” with the negative attention brought to the league by Ray Rice’s assault on his wife and Peterson’s treatment of his son.
Nike pulled Peterson jerseys from its stores at the Mall of America in Bloomington and in outlet malls in Eagan and Albertville. Nike still sells the jerseys and features Peterson on its website.
Mylan said it was no longer working with Peterson to promote its EpiPen, used to treat allergic reactions. The running back had participated in several promotions to raise awareness for anaphylaxis, which he has dealt with in the past.
“Mylan has ended all activities with Adrian Peterson,” spokeswoman Julie Knell said. “We remain committed to supporting those managing potentially life-threatening allergies and will continue our educational efforts to increase anaphylaxis awareness and preparedness.”
U.S. Bank, which is rumoured to be in the running for the naming rights to the team’s new stadium, said it is “monitoring the situation closely.”
So is Shaun Hagglund, the owner of Fan HQ in suburban Minneapolis. He said he pulled Peterson apparel from the store’s shelves as soon as the charge came down Friday night.
“I’m not making a moral stand or a judgment,” Hagglund said. “Just for now, let’s see what comes of this and see what stories are true and which ones are not and take it from there.”
Wheaties has pulled the last of the Peterson mentions from its website, but General Mills spokesman Mike Siemienas said that was because of a contractual matter and not related to the child abuse charge. Siemienas said most of the Peterson material was removed months ago as the brand shifted to a new promotion with younger and up-and-coming athletes.
– With files from Associated Press
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