When the New Orleans Saints play their home opener inside the Super Dome Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, they will not contend with star running back Adrian Peterson, who is now barred from all team activities with Minnesota.
The Vikings have placed Peterson on the NFL Exempt List, in the wake of growing public and financial pressures concerning the decision to reactivate Peterson as he faces a child abuse charge in Texas for spanking his four-year-old son with a switch.
Last week, the Vikings deactivated Peterson shortly after he was indicted on a charge of reckless or negligent injury to a child. Monday, the team reactivated Peterson. That decision triggered a slew of personal sponsors to cut ties with Peterson, Vikings team sponsor Radisson Hotels suspended its association with the team and NFL sponsor Anheuser-Busch released a strongly worded rebuke of the League in general, saying it was "disappointed and increasingly concerned by recent incidents."
Wednesday fans woke up to the news that the Vikings had reversed course. The team released a statement around 2 am Wednesday announcing that Peterson was now on the little-used NFL Exempt List.
Here's the how Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf explained the decision, via a prepared statement:
"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. 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."
The Exempt List is an unfamiliar designation to many. It allows Peterson to continue to collect his $11.75 million salary, but he's barred from any team activities.
Peterson had to agree to be placed on the list.
Shortly after the Vikings made their announcement, Peterson posted this inspirational message on his Twitter account:
@AdrianPeterson
"Many people Doubted YOU....God Bless."
