Vikings Reinstate Peterson after Abuse Charge

EDEN PRAIRIE, MINN. (AP/ABC/Staff) � The Minnesota Vikings are reinstating Adrian Peterson this week after he was charged with child abuse and say he will play on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf made the announcement Monday, one day after the former Palestine High School star was benched during a 30-7 loss to the New England Patriots. He�s been charged for striking his 4-year-old son with a tree branch this summer. The Vikings say they take the issue very seriously and have given it considerable thought. But they also say they want the legal process to take its course before making any final decisions. Peterson�s lawyer says the star player was just disciplining his child and did not mean to cause harm. Prosecutors say Peterson�s next court hearing will be in the coming weeks, with a trial expected to take place next year. If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison.

More Allegations against Peterson
According to KHOU-TV in Houston, new allegations have surfaced that Peterson abused another son. According to the station, “a photo, allegedly texted by Peterson to the boy’s mother, shows a head wound to the boy covered by two bandages. Other photos, allegedly taken weeks later, reveal a scar over his right eye.” That incident is said to have occurred over a year ago. No charges were filed in that incident.

Radisson Suspends Minnesota Vikings Sponsorship
MINNETONKA, MINN. (AP) � The Radisson hotel chain has called a timeout on its sponsorship of the Minnesota Vikings because of child abuse allegations against star running back Adrian Peterson. Minnesota-based Radisson says it has a “long-standing commitment to the protection of children.”