Nike ends ties with Adrian Peterson after child abuse plea

Embattled Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson has been cut by Nike, the company confirmed to the Los Angeles Times.

The announcement that Peterson was cut loose from the company came two days after the 29-year-old pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault in a Texas courthouse.

Nike did not offer any details other than: “Adrian Peterson is no longer a Nike athlete.”

Peterson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges instead of the original felony charge of child abuse, which allowed the All-Pro running back to avoid jail in exchange for probation, a fine and community service.

Peterson was indicted in September after he allegedly used a “switch” or stick to discipline his 4-year-old son, which left the child with cuts on his thighs and hand and bruises on his lower back and buttocks.

Peterson never denied the charges, but did say he never intended to injure his son.

Peterson’s indictment came on the heels of the Ray Rice scandal, thrusting the league into further controversy.

Since the allegation of the child abuse surfaced, Peterson has been on the commissioner’s exempt list, meaning he is suspended with pay until his legal issues are over. At that time, the NFL will reassess the situation.

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