On Monday the just days after he was charged with child abuse.
Peterson was benched for Minnesota’s 30-7 home loss to the Patriots on Sunday as a result of the case. But Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said Monday that they decided to bring him back for practices this week and for their game at New Orleans next Sunday “after significant thought, discussion and consideration.
“To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child,” the Wilfs said. “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.”
Later Monday, Peterson spoke up for the first time since being charged, saying, among other things: “I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser.” :
My attorney has asked me not to discuss the facts of my pending case. I hope you can respect that request and help me honor it. I very much want the public to hear from me but I understand that it is not appropriate to talk about the facts in detail at this time. Nevertheless, I want everyone to understand how sorry I feel about the hurt I have brought to my child.
I never wanted to be a distraction to the Vikings organization, the Minnesota community or to my teammates. I never imagined being in a position where the world is judging my parenting skills or calling me a child abuser because of the discipline I administered to my son.
I voluntarily appeared before the grand jury several weeks ago to answer any and all questions they had. Before my grand jury appearance, I was interviewed by two different police agencies without an attorney. In each of these interviews I have said the same thing, and that is that I never ever intended to harm my son. I will say the same thing once I have my day in court.
I have to live with the fact that when I disciplined my son the way I was disciplined as a child, I caused an injury that I never intended or thought would happen. I know that many people disagree with the way I disciplined my child. I also understand after meeting with a psychologist that there are other alternative ways of disciplining a child that may be more appropriate.
I have learned a lot and have had to reevaluate how I discipline my son going forward. But deep in my heart I have always believed I could have been one of those kids that was lost in the streets without the discipline instilled in me by my parents and other relatives. I have always believed that the way my parents disciplined me has a great deal to do with the success I have enjoyed as a man. I love my son and I will continue to become a better parent and learn from any mistakes I ever make.
I am not a perfect son. I am not a perfect husband. I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser. I am someone that disciplined his child and did not intend to cause him any injury. No one can understand the hurt that I feel for my son and for the harm I caused him. My goal is always to teach my son right from wrong and that’s what I tried to do that day.
I accept the fact that people feel very strongly about this issue and what they think about my conduct. Regardless of what others think, however, I love my son very much and I will continue to try to become a better father and person.
Shortly after, Vikings GM Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer jumped on NFL Network to address the issue:
First question: What message are you sending to abuse victims? Spielman: “We feel strongly as an organization this is disciplining a child”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
Spielman says they’ll let the court make a decision on whether Adrian Peterson went too far. Also says they are serious about the issue.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
Spielman is asked if he has used info from child and mother to make decision: “We have seen everything in the file.”
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington)
Spielman: “It has nothing to do with him as a football player.”
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington)
Mike Zimmer: “I've been in the NFL for 21 years. I've seen a lot of things. You just go about your business.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson)
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer cites lesson from his dad on how he'll keep players focused: “Tough times don't last — but tough people do.”
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington)
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer asked if he signed up for this, “You sign up for everything when you become the head coach.”
— Eye on Football (@EyeOnNFL)
Zimmer on Peterson: “It was an ownership decision.” Admitted he didn’t know how much his opinion mattered.
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL)
UPDATED SEPT. 15, 3:50 p.m. MT: Here’s the press conference that Spielman babbles his way through:
UPDATED SEPT. 15, 6:00 p.m. MT: After Spielman’s bizarre news conference, KHOU, Houston’s CBS affiliate, reported that , and has photos of the 4-year-old’s injuries.
Seth Kaplan of Fox 9 tweeted the details of the report (which has not been posted on the network’s website yet). I’m leaving out the tweet of the blurred out photo of the child.
Report says Adrian hit then 4-year-old son last June… left a scar on kids forehead. This can be used as evidence in current investigation
— Seth Kaplan (@Seth_Kaplan)
KHOU obtained text messages between Adrian and the boy's mother explaining what happened. 4-year-old cursed at his brother.
— Seth Kaplan (@Seth_Kaplan)
KHOU also reported the first text msg shows Adrian saying kid hit head on carseat. When questioned by mother, he says “yes” to hitting him.
— Seth Kaplan (@Seth_Kaplan)
Scar on the boy's forehead may not bode well for Peterson. Puts case in different light. Indicates force or blunt object. Reasonable?
— Seth Kaplan (@Seth_Kaplan)
Unknown. RT did the know of this incidence with another 4yr old when they made their decision ?
— Seth Kaplan (@Seth_Kaplan)
