Minnesota Vikings News: Sponsors Leaving Team After Adrian Peterson’s New Abuse Allegation Emerges
Adrian Peterson is still on the Minnesota Vikings active roster after a new child abuse allegation emerged Monday night, but corporate sponsors are starting to leave the team and could lead to the team cutting ties with its All Pro running back.
Peterson had been de-activated from Sunday’s game against New England after it was announced Friday that he was indicted for child abuse in Texas. Just hours after he was re-instated on Monday a new allegation emerged, this one from June involving another of Peterson’s children with a separate mother.
In the wake of the new allegation, corporate sponsor Radisson announced it was suspending its partnership with the team.
“Radisson takes this matter very seriously particularly in light of our long-standing commitment to the protection of children,” the company said in a statement. “We are closely following the situation and effective immediately, Radisson is suspending its limited sponsorship of the Minnesota Vikings while we evaluate the facts and circumstances.”
The new allegation reportedly stems from an incident in June in which Peterson reportedly beat a young boy. The matter was reported to Child Protective Services but did not result in charges for Peterson.
“The allegation of another investigation into Adrian Peterson is simply not true,” said Peterson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin. “This is not a new allegation, it’s one that is unsubstantiated and was shopped around to authorities in two states over a year ago and nothing came of it. An adult witness adamantly insists Adrian did nothing inappropriate with his son. There is no ongoing or new investigation.”
Houston media outlet KHOU published text messages between Adrian Peterson and the boy’s mother about the incident.
Mother: “What happened to his head?”
Peterson: “Hit his head on the Carseat.”
Mother: “How does that happen, he got a whoopin in the car.”
Peterson: “Yep.”
Mother: “Why?”
Peterson: “I felt so bad. But he did it his self.”
Earlier Adrian Peterson apologized for the initial incident, saying he never intended to hurt the boy.
“I have learned a lot and have had to reevaluate how I discipline my son going forward,” Peterson said in the statement. “But deep in my heart I have always believed I could have been one of those kids that was lost in the streets without the discipline instilled in me by my parents and other relatives. I have always believed that the way my parents disciplined me has a great deal to do with the success I have enjoyed as a man. I love my son and I will continue to become a better parent and learn from any mistakes I ever make.”
The Minnesota Vikings have not announced if Adrian Peterson will face discipline for the latest child abuse allegation. He remains on the team and expected to practice this week. Some believe the team will be cutting ties with Peterson, following the example of the Baltimore Ravens who cut Ray Rice after new video emerged of his domestic violence incident.