Star running back Adrian Peterson was reinstated Monday by the Minnesota Vikings after being indicted on a child abuse charge.
Peterson was held out of the Vikings' game on Sunday, a 30-7 loss to the New England Patriots, following his indictment last week in Texas for negligent injury to his 4-year-old son, the latest domestic violence case to rock the NFL.
"To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child," Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf said in a statement.
"At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action."
Peterson, who was the NFL's most valuable player in 2012, is accused of injuring his son last May by hitting him with a tree branch as punishment. If convicted, Peterson, 29, could be sentenced to up to two years in jail and fined $10,000.
"Today's decision was made after significant thought, discussion and consideration," the Vikings owners said of Peterson's reinstatement. "As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday's game, this is clearly a very important issue."
In response to Peterson's return to the team, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said, "As in any case involving charges of this nature, the matter is under review."
A SPATE OF CASES
The NFL has been under scrutiny this season for its handling of another star, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, who was indefinitely suspended after the release of a video showing him knocking out his then-fiancée, who he since married. Rice is expected to appeal that suspension Monday.
Two other players involved in domestic violence cases are under the league's microscope, Greg Hardy of the Carolina Panthers and Ray McDonald of the San Francisco 49ers.
A Pro Bowl defensive end, Hardy was convicted of domestic violence charges during the summer but has appealed and is awaiting a jury trial. McDonald was arrested Aug. 31 in San Jose, California, on suspicion of felony domestic violence for allegedly beating up his pregnant fiancee.
Hardy was held out of Sunday's game, a 24-7 victory over Detroit, while McDonald played in the 49ers' 28-20 loss to Chicago.
In response to the domestic abuse cases, the NFL on Monday announced it has hired advisers and counselors to help the league combat the issue. Anna Isaacson, who was the NFL's vice president of community relations and philanthropy, is now its vice president of social responsibility.
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