NFL Suspends Adrian Peterson

As reported on Mike & Mike on ESPN radio, Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson has been suspended without pay for the remainder of the season, according to a statement released by the NFL. Peterson will not be eligible for reinstatement until April 15 and must meet certain requirements including counseling.

Peterson immediately prepared to appeal the decision.

This stems from a September indictment of Peterson for injury to a child, his 4 year old son whom he disciplined with a switch. He plead no contest to a lesser charger earlier this month.

Peterson has been on the commissioner's exempt list and was being paid. That stops now.

The news release includes a portion of the letter written to Peterson by Roger Goodell:
"We are prepared to put in place a program that can help you to succeed, but no program can succeed without your genuine and continuing engagement," Goodell wrote in the letter. "You must commit yourself to your counseling and rehabilitative effort, properly care for your children, and have no further violations of law or league policy."

My personal take: The culture has certainly changed in the U.S. and fans are now holding their sports heroes accountable for their actions. It's long overdue. One NCAA quarterback, who I won't name, should take note! This culture will surely affect his career going forward.