Minnesota Vikings offensive running back Adrian Peterson has made a public statement about the offensive child abuse charges that led to his temporary arrest over the weekend.
According to Peterson, he never meant to abuse his son but only 'discipline' him the way he was "disciplined as a child."
Over the weekend, news emerged that the athlete had been arrested for causing injury to his child of about 4 years old or below after he lashed him with a wooden switch. Shortly afterwards, Peterson, who had been arrested in Montgomery County, Texas, was released on bail.
In his statement, Peterson explained that "I understand that many people disagree with the way I disciplined my child. I also understand after meeting with a psychologist that there are other alternative ways of disciplining a child that may be more appropriate."
Although lashing children as a form of punishment is common in many homes in the country - particularly among Afro-American and migrant families - it is an illegal act. While he admitted the wrongfulness of his actions, Peterson noted that he 'always believed' that the way he was disciplined as a child played a key role in guiding his success as a man.
This news comes in the wake of another headline grabbing scandal involving a top NFL player. Last week, Ravens' running back Ray Rice was suspended by his team and the NFL after reports confirmed that he had assaulted his fiancée.
The management of the Minnesota Vikings has meanwhile reinstated Peterson after initially suspending him over the weekend. In a joint statement to the press today, Zygi Wilf and Mrak Wilf, the owners of the team, explained that the management of Minnesota Vikings do not take child abuse cases lightly and that the decision to bring Peterson back into the team was "made after significant thought, discussion and consideration."
