Watch CBS News

'Public Embarrassment': Minnesota Gov. Calls For Peterson's Suspension

ST. PAUL, Minn. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says Vikings running back Adrian Peterson should have remained suspended until an accusation of child abuse was resolved in the Texas legal system.

Peterson is accused of using a wooden switch to spank his 4-year-old son. He has said he was sorry for hurting the child but did not intend to and is not a child abuser.

"It is an awful situation," Dayton said in a statement to multiple media outlets. "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."

ON WFAN: REGGIE BUSH DEFENDS AP

Dayton said disciplining "a child to the extent of visible wounds, as has been alleged, should not be tolerated in our state."

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

"However, I will not turn my back on the Vikings and their fans, as some have suggested," he added. "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."

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.