On Tuesday, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) called on the Minnesota Vikings to suspend Vikings running back Adrian Peterson as the league investigates two possible cases of child abuse involving Peterson.
The Vikings had reinstated Peterson, who is facing felony child abuse charges in Texas, on Monday before information came to light about a previous accusation of child abuse in 2013 concerning another child.
“It is an awful situation,” Dayton reportedly told The Associated Press. “Yes, Mr. Peterson is entitled to due process and should be ‘innocent until proven guilty.’ However, he is a public figure; and his actions, as described, are a public embarrassment to the Vikings organization and the state of Minnesota. Whipping a child to the extent of visible wounds, as has been alleged, should not be tolerated in our state. Therefore, I believe the team should suspend Mr. Peterson, until the accusations of child abuse have been resolved by the criminal justice system.
“However, I will not turn my back on the Vikings and their fans, as some have suggested. The Vikings belong to Minnesota — and in Minnesota. This has been the team’s only home, and our citizens, including myself, have been its most dedicated fans.”
Radisson Hotels announced on Monday evening that it would suspend its sponsorship with the Vikings in light of the new information about Peterson.
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