Adrian Peterson: Vikings Put Running Back On NFL ‘Exempt’ List – Will Not Play Until Case Resolved

Adrian Peterson was handed a tough sentence last night by the Minnesota Vikings. He was placed on the NFL’s ‘exempt’ list, which means that Peterson will be indefinitely suspended from all team activities until his child abuse case is resolved according to the New York Daily News.

Just after midnight, Minnesota Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf released a statement on Adrian Peterson according to the official Vikings website.

“This has been an ongoing and deliberate process since last Friday’s news. In conversations with the NFL over the last two days, the Vikings advised the League of the team’s decision to revisit the situation regarding Adrian Peterson. In response, the League informed the team of the option to place Adrian on the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission list, which will require that Adrian remain away from all team activities while allowing him to take care of his personal situation until the legal proceedings are resolved. After giving the situation additional thought, we have decided this is the appropriate course of action for the organization and for Adrian.”

Initially, the Vikings were applauded for deactivating Adrian Peterson so quickly last Friday when the player was arrested and jailed following the indictment of a grand jury. However, they almost as quickly said that they wouldn’t cut Adrian Peterson from the team, and were looking at reinstating him.

This new development over night, however, seems to put the nail in the coffin of Adrian Peterson’s season, and, at 29 years of age, fans have to wonder just how many carries the all-pro has left in his legs. A year off the field could certainly mark the end of the 2012 league MVP’s professional career.

Charges of child abuse were brought against Adrian Peterson last week. A grand jury indicted Peterson for allegedly breaking a tree limb off and using it to beat his four year-old son, in addition to stuffing the boy’s mouth with leaves. The beating left the boy with cuts and bruises on his buttocks, scrotum, legs, arms, ankles and hands. The wounds on the hands of the boy were said to be defensive wounds.

Adrian Peterson’s response? In a statement released by Peterson’s lawyer, Adrian disciplined his child the same way his father had disciplined him.

In their statement, the Wilf’s walked a fine line between acknowledging the seriousness of Peterson’s charges and the good that Adrian has done for the team.

“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 those objectives as well.”

If Adrian Peterson is found guilty, he could serve up to two years in prison and be charged with a $10,000 fine.