International hotel company Radisson has become the first sponsor to suspend its involvement with NFL American football franchise the Minnesota Vikings due to the controversy surrounding Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.
Peterson was released on bond on Saturday after being indicted on a child abuse charge that involved hitting his four-year-old son with a stick. The player said on Monday that he did not abuse the child but was instead enforcing the same discipline that was given to him when he was young.
The Vikings deactivated Peterson on Sunday but said on Monday it would consider him for selection in the near future. The running back could play against the New Orleans Saints at the weekend.
In response to this, Radisson’s parent company Carlson said in a statement that sponsorship of the team would be suspended until further notice.
“Radisson takes this matter very seriously particularly in light of our long-standing commitment to the protection of children,” the statement said. “We are closely following the situation and effective immediately, Radisson is suspending its limited sponsorship of the Minnesota Vikings while we evaluate the facts and circumstances.”