Radisson Hotels has announced it is ending its limited sponsorship deal with the Minnesota Vikings after star running back Adrian Peterson was charged with reckless or negligent injury to a child in Houston last week. It is the first sponsor the Vikings have lost since the Peterson allegations have become public.
The running back turned himself in to authorities following allegations that he disciplined his four-year-old son with a switch, a long, thin rod or tree branch, in May. The investigation had been ongoing and there was enough evidence for Peterson to be indicted. The Vikings deactivated Peterson before their Week 2 game against the New England Patriots, which Minnesota lost 30-7.
Trouble for NFL
The Vikings announced they will activate Peterson for their Week 3 game against the New Orleans Saints, with general manager Rick Spielman stating the team will let the legal system play out. Spielman said the Vikings will stand behind Peterson, saying "We feel strongly as an organization this is disciplining a child."
More allegations of child abuse surfaced Monday that Peterson had been involved in a similar incident involving another four-year-old son. No charges have been filed in the second case.
Radisson Hotels was founded in Minnesota. The company's logo appeared on a press banner behind Spielman as he addressed the media on Monday.