Minnesota Governor Calls On Vikings To Suspend Adrian Peterson

Minnesota's governor has spoken out on the current NFL scandal surrounding Adrian Peterson, saying the running back should be suspended from the state's team following allegations of child abuse.

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton announced Tuesday that he believes the Vikings team should suspend Peterson "until the accusations of child abuse have been resolved by the criminal justice system." The Vikings announced Monday that they would be allowing Peterson to practice with their team this week and play in this Saturday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

"It is an awful situation. Yes, Mr. Peterson is entitled to due process and should be 'innocent until proven guilty.' However, he is a public figure; and his actions, as described, are a public embarrassment to the Vikings organization and the State of Minnesota. Whipping a child to the extent of visible wounds, as has been alleged, should not be tolerated in our state," Gov. Dayton said.

"Therefore, I believe the team should suspend Mr. Peterson, until the accusations of child abuse have been resolved by the criminal justice system."

"However, I will not turn my back on the Vikings and their fans, as some have suggested. The Vikings belong to Minnesota –- and in Minnesota. This has been the team's only home; and our citizens, including myself, have been its most dedicated fans."

Peterson was indicted on charges of committing injury to a child in Texas last week after it was reported that he punished his four-year-old son using a switch, or a tree limb that has had its branches removed. Shortly after, another allegation surfaced indicated Peterson was also accused of child abuse for another one of his young sons back in 2013.

Peterson issued a statement Monday saying that "I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser."