EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings revisited running back Adrian Peterson's status and determined the franchise's all-time leading rusher will remain away from the team while he deals with pending legal situation regarding charges of injury to a child.
The team announced the decision early Wednesday morning after consulting with the league. A statement released by the Vikings states the team was informed of the Exempt/Commissioner's Permission list, which Peterson was placed on while he is away from the team.
Peterson, the 2012 NFL MVP, was deactivated for last week's game against the New England Patriots after news of an indictment against Peterson for disciplining a 4-year-old son with a "switch" that caused injuries. The team announced Monday that Peterson would rejoin the team, participate in practice and play in Sunday's game at New Orleans.
"While we were trying to make a balanced decision (on Monday), after further reflection we have concluded that this resolution is best for the Vikings and for Adrian," Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in the 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. Adrian emphasized his desire to avoid further distraction to his teammates and coaches while focusing on his current situation; this resolution accomplishes these objectives as well."
The statement reads that Peterson will be away from all team activities "until the legal proceedings are resolved." Peterson's first court hearing will be Oct. 8.
Peterson was indicted Sept. 11 in Montgomery County, Texas, on charges of injury to a child, stemming from an incident in May when he disciplined a son with a tree branch. The son, whose mother lives in Minnesota, was visiting Peterson and the injuries were discovered during a routine doctor's appointment in Minnesota.
Peterson turned himself in early Saturday morning and posted a $15,000 bond before returning to Minnesota. Peterson doesn't deny the incident occurred, but said he never meant to harm his son.
"I am not a perfect son. I am not a perfect husband. I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser," Peterson said in a statement Monday. "I am someone that disciplined his child and did not intend to cause him any injury. No one can understand the hurt that I feel for my son and for the harm I caused him. My goal is always to teach my son right from wrong and that's what I tried to do that day."
Since declaring Peterson would rejoin the team Monday, several team and league sponsors have spoken out regarding Peterson and the NFL's handling of domestic abuse cases. Radisson, a locally-based team sponsor, suspended its sponsorship of the team later Monday.
Mylan, the makers of EpiPens to combat allergic reactions, cut its ties with Peterson, who was part of a marketing campaign after he suffered an allergic reaction to shellfish. An EpiPen helped Peterson survive the scare.
Multiple reports said Nike pulled all of its Adrian Peterson jerseys from Twin Cities stores.
"We are always focused on trying to make the right decision as an organization," the Wilfs said in the statement. "We embrace our role -- and the responsibilities that go with it -- as a leader in the community, as a business partner and as an organization that can build bridges with our fans and positively impact this great region. We appreciate and value the input we have received from our fans, our partners and the community."
The Wilfs, Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman and Kevin Warren, the team's executive vice president for legal affairs and chief administrative officer are scheduled to speak to the media later Wednesday.
"We will support Adrian during this legal and personal process, but we firmly believe and realize this is the right decision," the Wilfs said in Wednesday's statement. "We hope that all of our fans can respect the process that we have gone through to reach this final decision."
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