Breaking: Vikings Announce Peterson, Indicted For Child Abuse, ‘To Play This Sunday’
Minnesota Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf send America a strong message on child abuse — the wrong message, but a strong one.
The owners of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings are sending America a strong message today on child abuse and violence against children.
After losing to the Patriots Sunday, 30-7, Vikings owners telegraphed today what’s most important to them: winning at all costs.
In a statement on the team’s official website, owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf announced today that “Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will fully participate in this week’s practices and meetings and is expected to play this Sunday in New Orleans.”
LOOK:Â Now Indicted For Child Abuse, Adrian Peterson Was Lauded By Religious And Anti-Gay Groups
Peterson was indicted Friday on charges related to his admitted use of a “switch” to “whoop” his four-year old son. Marks left on the young Peterson child were so severe that a medical examiner days later called them “extreme ” and labeled the act “child abuse.”
LOOK:Â Adrian Peterson Told Cops: I Will Never ‘Eliminate Whooping My Kids’
“Today’s decision was made after significant thought, discussion and consideration,” the Wilfs announced. “As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday’s game, this is clearly a very important issue. On Friday, we felt it was in the best interests of the organization to step back, evaluate the situation, and not rush to judgment given the seriousness of this matter. At that time, we made the decision that we felt was best for the Vikings and all parties involved.”
“To be clear,” the Wilfs continued, “we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child.”
They go on to say that the charges against Peterson — based on his actions that he fully and freely admitted to in a police interview — are merely “a matter of due process.” They feel the “we should allow the legal system to proceed” rather than restrict Peterson’s ability to play.
LOOK:Â Police Release Photos Of ‘Extensive’ Cuts In Adrian Peterson Child Abuse Case
They add, “our focus is on doing the right thing,” leaving out “for America.”
Needless to say, the NFL after the Ray Rice scandal and several others, has nearly hit bottom.
Fans and observers on Twitter were fast to respond — and not supportively.
Nothing should surprise me anymore, but I’m stunned by Vikings decision.
— chipscoggins (@chipscoggins) September 15, 2014
The @Vikings are a disgrace. Peterson admitted to striking his FOUR year old son with a stick… in the scrotum… http://t.co/uzjViLl83P
— Sean Kennedy (@seanmk10) September 15, 2014
1 game for beating the crap out of your 4 year-old. 2 games for KOing your wife. 4 games for taking a party drug. Awesome @NFL @Vikings
— John Quast (@JohnQHockey) September 15, 2014
If the #Vikings continue down this path, my lifelong time as a fan might come to an end. I’m speechless.
— Ashley Woods (@Ashowee28) September 15, 2014
i can honestly say i am embarrased to call myself a vikings fan today.
— Travis Aune (@TravisAune) September 15, 2014
http://t.co/WGoIzBgA8C Money over children. Congrats on choosing your pocketbooks rather than caring about a four year old. #stopchildabuse
— Denise Ferguson (@AttorneyDen) September 15, 2014
“Sure we hate #ChildAbuse but did you see our offense yesterday?” – #Vikings on why they’ll play #AdrianPeterson #NFL #Disaster
— Red Sox Monster (@redsoxmonster) September 15, 2014
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Image: Facebook
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