Adrian Peterson, who had been reactivated on the Minnesota Vikings roster Monday, has now been put on an exempt list and will be barred from team activities pending futher notice.

Adrian Peterson Deactivated – Again

The Vikings organization has placed Peterson, who was indicted on child injury charges for punishing his son with a switch, on the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission List. The option keeps Peterson away from team activities and gives him the opportunity to deal with his legal troubles without suspending him without pay.

“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,” reads the latest statement from Zygi Wilf 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 emphasized his desire to avoid further distraction to his teammates and coaches while focusing on his current situation; this resolution accomplishes these objectives as well."

The Wilf brothers added, “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.

According to Peterson’s agent Ben Dogra, the athlete has received “the best possible outcome given the circumstances, adding, “Adrian understands the gravity of the situation and this enabled him to take care of his personal situation.”

After the Vikings reinstated Peterson, reports emerged that the star running back had previously been investigated for causing injury to another son he had decided needed corporeal punishment. Though the investigation never went anywhere and the Vikings had known about it, the revelation caused many – including sponsors – to balk. The Radisson hotel chain suspended their sponsorship and a number of other companies cut their ties to Peterson.

Peterson, if convicted on the child injury charge, could face two years behind bars as well as a $10,000 fine, though he could also merely be sentenced to probation. He will be arraigned Oct. 8.

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