The Vikings reinstated Adrian Peterson on Monday, but that decision didn't bode too well with the team's or the NFL's sponsors. As a result, Minnesota has placed Peterson on the NFL's exempt/commissioner's permission list until his case is resolved in court.
Vikings' owners Zygi and Mark Wilf released a statement early on Wednesday morning that confirmed Peterson's ban, which keeps running back out of all team activities. The NFL Players Association considered challenging the disciplinary measure, but Peterson accepted the team's decision likely because he will still receive his full salary of $11.75 million this year.
"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."
Following Minnesota's decision to reinstate Peterson on Monday, Radisson Hotels suspended its sponsorship with the Vikings and Anheuser-Busch contacted the NFL to express their disappointment with the league's handling of numerous players who have been involved in legal situations (Peterson, Ray Rice, Ray McDonald, Greg Hardy, etc.).
"We are disappointed and increasingly concerned by the recent incidents that have overshadowed this NFL season. We are not yet satisfied with the league's handling of behaviors that so clearly go against our own company culture and moral code. We have shared our concerns and expectations with the league," Anheuser-Busch's statement read.
The NFL raked in over $6 billion in revenue last year and $1.07 billion was from sponsors, which was a record-setting number. It doesn't look like it's imminent that their sponsors will withdraw in the wake of the recent events, but it could very well be a consideration of theirs in the future if more controversial issues surface and the proper disciplinary measures aren't handed down. Another possibility is the dismissal of commissioner Roger Goodell by the owners if more sponsors express their dissatisfaction with the league's handling of players/issues.
As for Peterson, it could be a while before he returns to the NFL. He has a scheduled hearing on October 8 in Montgomery County, Texas and it could be several months before his case goes to trial. He was indicted by a grand jury last Friday on felony child abuse charges and could face up to two years in prison if convicted.
