As the Adrian Peterson situation becomes more toxic, fewer and fewer parties are willing to stand by him.
In the latest move by a company to distance itself from the running back, who was indicted on a felony charge of injury to a child, Nike has suspended its endorsement contract with Peterson, ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported Wednesday.
“Nike in no way condones child abuse or domestic violence of any kind and has shared our concerns with the NFL,” Nike said in a statement, tweeted by Rovell. “We have suspended our contract with Adrian Peterson.”
Nike had previously removed all merchandise featuring Peterson’s name or likeness from shelves in Minnesota stores, leading a trend of sponsors fleeing from association with Peterson or the Minnesota Vikings. Pharmaceutical company Mylan ended its relationship with Peterson, and the Radisson hotel chain has suspended its sponsorship of the Vikings.
Peterson was placed on the exempt/commissioner’s permission list by the Vikings early Wednesday morning, although the NFL Players Association says he took a voluntary leave from the team.
Photo via Bruce Kluckhohn/USA TODAY Sports Images
