JON KRAWCZYNSKI, AP Sports Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – For as long as he’s been in the NFL, Adrian Peterson has been one of the most popular and most marketable stars in the league.
Now that he is facing a felony charge of child abuse for spanking his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch, the Minnesota Vikings star running back is facing criticism like he never has before. In the wake of the Vikings’ decision to allow Peterson to play while the legal process plays out, the Radisson hotel chain has suspended its sponsorship agreement with the team.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton said on Tuesday that Peterson should remain suspended while his case unfolds. A sports apparel store at a suburban Minneapolis shopping mall has pulled all Peterson items from the shelves while the matter is under investigation.