After pressure from sponsors, the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL) will not be allowing superstar running back Adrian Peterson to play with them, and instead suspended him.

Controversy surrounds Peterson as he is being charged with child abuse charges in Texas, for allegedly using a tree branch to hit his 4-year-old child.

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Peterson was indicted last week when he admitted to using the branch to discipline his child. He went on to say that he only did what his own father used to do to discipline him, too. He said he never meant to hurt his child.

Initially, the Vikings were ready to allow Peterson to play with the team while the legal process proceeded through the court system.

As is the common reaction with a controversy-filled year in the NFL, the team was criticized for their passive stance to the matter. Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf were forced to rethink their position.

Their actions were also pushed by the fact that sponsors were unhappy with the controversies surrounding the league, with the recent Ray Rice scandal and all.

The Radisson Hotel had suspended its sponsorship deal with the Vikings. Papa John's and Anheuser-Busch were also disappointed and were thinking of doing the same.

Due to Peterson's actions, he lost several sponsors, with the likes of Castrol Motor Oil, Special Olympics Minnesota, and Mylan Inc. severing ties, while Nike stores pulled out his jerseys.

Throughout his career, Peterson has rushed for 10,190 yards and has amassed 86 touchdowns in the NFL. In 2012, he won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award when he returned from an ACL to rush for 2,097 yards.

His first court hearing will be on October 8. Until then, he will not be able to play or practice with his team. 

Tagsminnesota vikings, Adrian Peterson, Suspend, adrian peterson son