The Minnesota Vikings have entered a media nightmare due to the child abuse allegations swirling around their star running back Adrian Peterson. Yesterday, Peterson was placed on the NFL's exemption list, meaning that he will serve an indefinite ban from team activities. He will, however, still be paid his weekly salary.
Provided Peterson doesn't go to jail for the charges he's facing, it appears likely that he will play in the NFL again one day. But, as Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk reports, it probably won't be with the Minnesota Vikings. According to Florio, the public scorn against Peterson will be too much for the Vikings to put up with in the future. Florio also cites Peterson's enormous contract as a reason for the Vikings parting ways with him.
The organization is likely sensing a lot of heat from their fanbase. On Twitter, the reaction to Peterson has not been kind.
As a die hard Vikings fan I don't want anything to do with @AdrianPeterson
— Jordan Lieser (@jclieser91) September 16, 2014
I finally saw the picture of Adrian Peterson's little boy. I'm with the people who want him off the team. He went too far.
— Tom Joyner (@TJMShow) September 17, 2014
I want to hear one, current @Vikings player come out, defend the child & call @AdrianPeterson out. That's real leadership.
— Geoff Engelhart (@geoffengelhart) September 15, 2014
However, as the New York Post's Bart Hubbuch pointed out the other day, Minnesota is unlikely to release Peterson. But they could trade the former MVP.
Source familiar with thinking of Vikings ownership tells me they have completely ruled out releasing Adrian Peterson over incident. (1/4)
— Bart Hubbuch (@HubbuchNYP) September 14, 2014
But source says Vikings haven’t ruled out trading Peterson if more ugly details emerge. Depends on recommendation of the GM. (2/4)
— Bart Hubbuch (@HubbuchNYP) September 14, 2014
Who do you think is the most likely suitor for Peterson? Would you want him on your team? Regardless of where he ends up, it's shocking that Peterson may not play for Minnesota again. The six-time Pro Bowler was once considered indispensable for the Vikings. Those days appear to be over.
