The Vikings this morning issued a statement that RB Adrian Peterson will participate in practice this week and is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Saints. That comes after the team deactivated Peterson for yesterday's game against the Patriots after he was indicted Friday on felony child abuse charges. Vikings co-Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf in the statement said the decision was made "after significant thought, discussion and consideration." The Wilfs: "On Friday, we felt it was in the best interest 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, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child. At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action" (Vikings). Vikings GM Rick Spielman prior to yesterday's game said, "Friday night was the first we heard of the formal allegations against Adrian Peterson, and we decided, as an organization, that to deactivate him this weekend was in the best interest of everybody concerned" (ESPN.com, 9/14). The MMQB's Peter King writes after talking to Spielman and Vikings coach Mike Zimmer last night, he "got the distinct feeling they were so deep in unchartered water they had no idea how they'd navigate their way out." Spielman: "There's a lot of speculation out there. Once we gather all the information we can, we'll be able to make a decision what to do. Right now there's a lot of speculation, and a million rumors out there" (MMQB.SI.com, 9/15).
TAKING A STAND: In St. Paul, Tom Powers writes fans "should be applauding" the Vikings' decision to deactivate Peterson. A decision of "such magnitude can only come from ownership." Co-Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf "clearly made the call ... and should be commended for their actions" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 9/15). ESPN's Cris Carter said, "The Vikings' ownership has started down that path as far as getting it right and ... they were ahead of the situation. ... They realize that, in this climate, given what he's been accused, there's no need for due process" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 9/15). USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell wrote the Vikings "demonstrated a moral compass clearly lacking with other teams" -- the Panthers and 49ers -- "managing their own forms of crisis." The Panthers and 49ers "should have taken a similar wait-and-see approach with Greg Hardy and Ray McDonald, respectively." The statement the Vikings made "should become the NFL standard" (USATODAY.com, 9/13). But in Minneapolis, Jim Souhan writes Peterson "should never play for the Vikings again" if the accusations against him are true. If Peterson "viciously beat" his 4-year-old son, the Vikings "may have to consider cutting ties with a player who had a chance to be not only great but forever beloved" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/14).
WHAT THE FUTURE MAY HOLD: The PIONEER PRESS' Murphy noted Peterson "could become the NFL's initial case under the revamped policy, under which Goodell has authority to levy any fine or suspension" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 9/14). In Minneapolis, Kaszuba & Olson noted the NFL "gave no indication how soon it could act on Peterson’s case." Long the "face of the team, Peterson’s photo is prominently displayed at the construction site" for the Vikings’ new $1B stadium in Minneapolis. Nike, one of Peterson's biggest sponsors, said it was continuing to "closely monitor the situation" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/14). Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, Sid Hartman notes even if Peterson "didn't get in legal trouble, fans might have seen his last season in a Vikings uniform this year anyway, because of his giant contract" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/15).
