Just as the NFL did in its handling of the Ray Rice domestic violence incident, the Minnesota Vikings have reversed course on its handling of the Adrian Peterson domestic violence incident.
Except that the Vikings didn't drag their heels in reversing course.
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In a stunning development from a day earlier in which the Vikings reinstated their embattled running back, the team announced Wednesday morning through a news release that it was placing him on the NFL's exempt/commissioner's permission list until his child-abuse case is resolved, ESPN reported.
"After giving the situation additional thought, we have decided this is the appropriate course of action for the organization and for Adrian," Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf said in a team news release. "We are always focused on trying to make the right decision as an organization.
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"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."
Peterson was inactive for Minnesota's game Sunday against the New England Patriots after he was indicted in Montgomery County, Texas, for reckless or negligent injury to a child. The charges stem from a whipping incident that reportedly bruised and wounded his 4-year-old son.
Peterson said he was disciplining his child with a "switch," a tree branch with the leaves removed, and regretted inflicting the injuries on the child.
Peterson's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said Peterson complied fully with police and was behaving as a parent, using the example of discipline he received as a child.
KHOU 11 News in Houston reported that Peterson was accused of a similar incident in 2013 with another of his sons (from a different mother), also 4 years old at the time. Charges never were filed, but the allegations reportedly were filed to Texas' Child Protection Services agency.
Hardin categorically denied the second incident was true.
The Vikings reinstated Peterson on Monday but after further discussions with the NFL, made the decision to remove Peterson from team activities.
"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," the Vikings' statement said. "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. 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."
And the Vikings may have to brace for the possibility of the fact that Peterson may not return this season, pending the length of the legal process.
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