Minnesota Governor: Suspend Adrian Peterson

In a statement provided to The Associated Press, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is calling for the Vikings to suspend running back Adrian Peterson. Per ESPN:

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"It is an awful situation," he said in a statement provided to The Associated Press. "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. Therefore, I believe the team should suspend Mr. Peterson, until the accusations of child abuse have been resolved by the criminal justice system.

"However, 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."

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Dayton's statements come the day after the Vikings announced that Peterson would practice this week and play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.