“After giving the situation additional thought, we have decided this is the appropriate course of action for the organization and for Adrian…”
This was the statement released by Mark and Zygi Wilf after they made the decision to place Adrian Peterson on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
Minnesota Vikings Front Office: A Leaf in the Wind
I know. This is the first time I have heard of this “exempt list” as well. What this means is that Peterson will be barred from any team activities and from Minnesota Vikings training facilities until all legal matters have been settled.
What followed was jargon explaining that they don’t possess the intestinal fortitude in standing pat with their decisions.
Major corporations have pulled their endorsements to save their bottom lines. Nike recovering jerseys from the shelves. Public outrage has “big boy” companies clinging on to their every whim. Once it starts cutting into the fiscal aspect of the game, they cut bait and run.
It appears that all of those who are self-righteous and infallible have been heard. Those who have taken aquatic form and sought blood like a shark in the ocean have been appeased. All of those who grabbed your torch and pitchforks have your monster delivered to your front step.
And like a leaf in the wind, the Minnesota Vikings drift along.
Nobody takes a stance on anything anymore. Once you make a bold statement, stick with your judgment. But most will fold if the topic of debate is against the current, and will float merrily down the stream with the rest of them.
Your base assumption is probably correct. I’m clearly an owner of a Minnesota Vikings jersey with the number 28 stamped on either side. I own him in a league or two in my fantasy football teams. He is my favorite football player.
All of those statements are true, but none of that counts in my opinion today.
What Adrian Peterson did to discipline his son was excessive and warrants the reprimand he is likely to receive. If you want my opinions on the case itself you can click here.
My anger lies in the Vikings organization for responding like dogs with tucked tails.
Did they think that if they reactivated Peterson that there wouldn’t be any consequences? Did they think that the Radisson Hotel corporation would be giddy seeing their trademark logo plastered behind the podium in their release statement reactivating Peterson? Did they think that those who have been directly effected by child abuse would be delighted to hear that the Vikings allowed Peterson back on the field?
Did they think at all?
After taking a stand for the face of their franchise, they allowed the media and sponsors to seat them.
In a game of chess, the Vikings, and other NFL teams alike, are pawns, and those who shell out the dough command the back rows.
Fortunately for the Purple and Gold, there is still a team that I root for that will play this Sunday against a team for which I have bitter scorn. Please get us this win so we can start talking about something else.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @LWOSCaseyBow. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images
