St. Paul (MNN) -- Governor Mark Dayton says the Minnesota Vikings should suspend running back Adrian Peterson " until the accusations of child abuse have been resolved by the criminal justice system."
In a written statement released this Tues. morning, the governor calls it an "awful situation," saying "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."
Dayton goes on to say, "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."