The National Football League has no idea what to do with any of its players when they get in trouble. Let’s just say that right up front. And it seems that no matter what decision the NFL makes, be it suspend or play or wait and see, it’s the wrong choice in the eyes of fans. Take, for example, the case of Adrian Peterson. He’s accused of child abuse for hitting his son with a switch and leaving marks, but he says corporal punishment is part of his belief system, his own father hit him with an electrical cord, and so far, no charges have been filed against him. So, in the eyes of the law, nothing’s happening to him and he may never actually be punished, but a day after saying he was going to be allowed to play, the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings have reversed field, cut back, and scampered all the way to the suspension zone. Adrian Peterson has been barred from all Vikings activities with the permission of the NFL.
“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 a statement issued by Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf. “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 Peterson, former MVP and constant Pro Bowl presence, has legally done nothing wrong, though the results of one case are still pending. He’s admitted to hitting his child with a switch for misbehavior. Ray McDonald, a 49ers defensive end who is facing spousal abuse charges and also swears innocence, is still playing pending the resolution of his legal battle. Other players have gone through the legal system and played without suspension. No matter your belief on spanking versus child abuse, there needs to be one consistent way to treat all NFL players who are in legal trouble. Either suspend them all until the case is decided, or let them play until a guilty verdict is handed down.
Tags: adrian peterson, adrian peterson banned, nfl, national football league, nfl, professional football, zygi wilf, mark wilf, wilf brothers, nfl bans adrian peterson, vikings bar adrian peterson from team activities, minnesota vikings, minnesota vikings football