Adrian Peterson barred from team as Vikings change course

Just two days after announcing that NFL superstar Adrian Peterson would practice and play this week, the Minnesota Vikings have changed their mind and deactivated the running back indefinitely.

Peterson was sat down last week after a grand jury in Texas handed down indictments on felony child abuse charges.

Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf explained why they reversed course in the wake of heavy criticism:

“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. 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.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.”

Peterson’s agent, Ben Dogra, told the AP, “Adrian understands the gravity of the situation and this enables him to take care of his personal situation.”

In a statement released Monday by Peterson he said, “I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser.”