# Adrian Peterson: What SHOULD the NFL and the Vikings do? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [September 15, 2014, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539 "2014-09-15T06:22:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/41 "2014-09-17T15:15:33Z")
> [@brickbacon](#): > > Do they disagree with corporal punishment like most evolved people, or do they think he “went too far”. Either would contradict your claim, which was: “I would bet a majority of their audience doesn’t think he did anything particularly wrong.” The position “what he did was wrong because you should not use corporal punishment” and “what he did was wrong because mild corporal punishment is okay but this is positively ghastly and far beyond the pale and maybe a little insane” are **both** positions that Adrian Peterson did something particularly wrong. They also happen to be the positions that, from what I can tell, almost everyone holds. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/42 "2014-09-17T15:19:39Z")
> [@D\_Odds](#): > > You would be wrong. > > I was spanked, sometimes with a belt. While I do think that, on **rare** occasions a **single** , stinging slap on a fleshy part (buttocks or behind) simply to get attention to the parent **might** be called for, I did not turn out as a person who thinks it’s good to beat children. B does not have to follow A. Two now-grown children - each one needed it exactly once, and both were given plenty of opportunity to avoid it. The rarity said that “this meant business”; they probably both thought “he’s not going to do it”. > > Nothing is ever black and white across the whole population. Of course. I was referring to specifically those people who choose to beat their kids and use “I turned out ok” as their explanation. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/43 "2014-09-17T15:58:40Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Either would contradict your claim, which was: “I would bet a majority of their audience doesn’t think he did anything particularly wrong.” The position “what he did was wrong because you should not use corporal punishment” and “what he did was wrong because mild corporal punishment is okay but this is positively ghastly and far beyond the pale and maybe a little insane” are **both** positions that Adrian Peterson did something particularly wrong. They also happen to be the positions that, from what I can tell, almost everyone holds. I do not automatically condemn ALL corporal punishment… but I can’t think of ANYTHING a 4 year old could do that could possibly warrant getting whipped repeatedly with a switch! ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/44 "2014-09-17T16:07:09Z")
> [@YogSosoth](#): > > I don’t believe in the “well its a violent game, how do we expect them to act?” excuse. Its a violent game _while you’re playing_. When you’re not, don’t be violent. Not quite that simple, of course. For most it’s a game and a paycheck, and they can leave the aggression on the field, but some people have a deep-seated rage that is always just below the surface. Contact sports is an outlet for it, but it doesn’t take much for it to surface. Those are the people we see in the news. ---
**Author:** ![standingwave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/45 "2014-09-17T18:22:20Z")
> [@astorian](#): > > I do not automatically condemn ALL corporal punishment… but I can’t think of ANYTHING a 4 year old could do that could possibly warrant getting whipped repeatedly with a switch! Just when I thought that this couldn’t possibly get any worse, **Reggie Bush** of the Detroit Lions [just defended Adrian Peterson on the radio](http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/09/reggie-bush-adrian-peterson-discipline-children) and that he believes in disciplining his **one-year-old** daughter, harshly at times: _“I discipline her. Obviously every person is different, and I definitely will use my best judgment to discipline her depending on the situation. I definitely will — obviously not leave bruises or anything like that on her. But I definitely will discipline her, harshly, depending on what the situation is.”_ ---
**Author:** ![brickbacon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/46 "2014-09-17T19:03:43Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Either would contradict your claim, which was: “I would bet a majority of their audience doesn’t think he did anything particularly wrong.” No, it wouldn’t. “Particularly wrong” wrong means wrong to extreme or exceptional degree. For example, many people would agree selling weed is wrong, but some would not think it was particularly bad or wrong. Even if they some think the outcome of AP’s beating was bad or unjust, it doesn’t mean they think he should receive the blanket condemnation he seems to be getting or deserve to be suspended. I would bet many people would blanch more because of the age of the child than the bruising or the act itself. > [@RickJay](#): > > The position “what he did was wrong because you should not use corporal punishment” and “what he did was wrong because mild corporal punishment is okay but this is positively ghastly and far beyond the pale and maybe a little insane” are **both** positions that Adrian Peterson did something particularly wrong. See above, or look up the adverb particularly. > [@RickJay](#): > > They also happen to be the positions that, from what I can tell, almost everyone holds. Are you kidding? Didn’t someone just link to a study that said 70% of people think corporal punishment is okay. Several players and commentators have defended AP as well. There is also the fact that corporal punishment, to an abusive degree IMO, is legal in most states and defended (largely) by conservatives who’ve abandoned all willingness to evolve on the matter. I think it’s FAR more accurate to say that most people don’t hold those positions at all. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/47 "2014-09-17T19:26:39Z")
> [@standingwave](#): > > Just when I thought that this couldn’t possibly get any worse, **Reggie Bush** of the Detroit Lions [just defended Adrian Peterson on the radio](http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/09/reggie-bush-adrian-peterson-discipline-children) and that he believes in disciplining his **one-year-old** daughter, harshly at times: > > _“I discipline her. Obviously every person is different, and I definitely will use my best judgment to discipline her depending on the situation. I definitely will — obviously not leave bruises or anything like that on her. But I definitely will discipline her, harshly, depending on what the situation is.”_ Oh God… Again, what the hell could a 1 year old ever do that requires HITTING him??? At that age, kids just do whatever comes to mind. If they do something that could hurt somebody (or, more likely, themselves), you pick them up and put them somewhere else. There is never ANY reason to hit a freaking BABY! I’ve never hit my son, but I’ve witnessed 4 year olds pitching a fit or throwing a tantrum in a store, and getting a swat on the butt. That’s not how I’d have handled it, but a swat on the rear isn’t something I’m going to call the police over. But come on, what could possibly justify hitting a 1 year old? Or taking a switch to a 4 year old? ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [September 17, 2014, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/48 "2014-09-17T22:15:32Z")
[Ray McDonald of the 49ers](http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2014/09/17/why-the-49ers-are-doing-the-right-thing-with-ray-mcdonald/) is also under scrutiny for a “domestic disturbance”. Only, in his case, the team is allowing him to play pending any findings from the investigation - innocent until proven guilty and all that. _Ray McDonald was arrested August 31st on charges stemming from a domestic disturbance at his house after, of all things, a party for his 30th birthday. Since his arrest he has proclaimed his innocence, posted bail and is now awaiting trial. In the meantime, the 49ers have taken no actions against their defensive tackle, allowing him to play in both of the 49ers games this season._ There is no damning video or photos in this case, so I guess this is how it should go. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2014, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/49 "2014-09-18T03:23:18Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > Of course. I was referring to specifically those people who choose to beat their kids and use “I turned out ok” as their explanation. That wasn’t what you said initially. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2014, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/50 "2014-09-18T07:02:25Z")
[Jonathan Dwyer](http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/17/us/nfl-jonathan-dwyer-alleged-domestic-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_c2) has been arrested and deactivated after being arrested for multiple counts, including aggravated assault and aggravated assault of a minor. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2014, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/51 "2014-09-18T11:13:09Z")
> [@D\_Odds](#): > > That wasn’t what you said initially. Which is why I clarified… (I thought it was clear who my comments applied to. It wasn’t. I clarified). ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/52 "2014-11-06T21:33:38Z")
So, the case has been plead down to a misdemeanor. Now it’s up to the NFL to decide what to do. I’m thinking a suspension without pay for the rest of the season. He still hadn’t lost any game checks. I could care less what the baby momma of the beaten child thinks about Peterson playing, she’s interested in keeping the money train running. Roethlisberger got 6 (reduced to 4) for unfounded allegations by some crazy woman. Peterson needs to lose some money over this incident. Beating a child , especially after he’d lost another child from a different baby momma , is a despicable act. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/53 "2014-11-06T22:08:43Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > So, the case has been plead down to a misdemeanor. Now it’s up to the NFL to decide what to do. > > I’m thinking a suspension without pay for the rest of the season. He still hadn’t lost any game checks. I could care less what the baby momma of the beaten child thinks about Peterson playing, she’s interested in keeping the money train running. > > Roethlisberger got 6 (reduced to 4) for unfounded allegations by some crazy woman. > > Peterson needs to lose some money over this incident. Beating a child , especially after he’d lost another child from a different baby momma , is a despicable act. I think the kid was a gold digger, just looking to get a payday from a famous NFL player. Hell, I bet Peterson sees the kid again. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/54 "2014-11-06T22:32:23Z")
> [@Hamlet](#): > > I think the kid was a gold digger, just looking to get a payday from a famous NFL player. Hell, I bet Peterson sees the kid again. ooo, burn! ---
**Author:** ![Hoopy\_Frood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hoopy_frood/32/8452_2.png) [@Hoopy\_Frood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoopy_Frood)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/55 "2014-11-07T04:06:42Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > I could care less what the baby momma of the beaten child thinks about Peterson playing, she’s interested in keeping the money train running. I highly doubt you could care less; you’ve made that pretty apparent throughout this thread. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/56 "2014-11-07T04:44:50Z")
> [@Hamlet](#): > > I think the kid was a gold digger, just looking to get a payday from a famous NFL player. Hell, I bet Peterson sees the kid again. 🙂 Nice. ---
**Author:** ![VarlosZ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d78d45/32.png) [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/57 "2014-11-07T06:21:00Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > I’m thinking a suspension without pay for the rest of the season. He still hadn’t lost any game checks. I could care less what the baby momma of the beaten child thinks about Peterson playing, **she’s interested in keeping the money train running**. > > Roethlisberger got 6 (reduced to 4) for **unfounded allegations by some crazy woman**. **dale** , why would you drag that shit into this thread? It has nothing to do with the topic whatsoever, and you know it’s just going to open you up to well-deserved criticism and start an argument. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/58 "2014-11-07T12:22:37Z")
I should have phrased the response better. I do think the Roethlisberger suspension was ridiculous, but we have to use it as a base for the overall “tarnish the shield” basis that the NFL would use to suspend Peterson and force him to miss game checks from that massive contract. I’ve always hated the argument that a relative of an affected party should have their opinion taken into account. Whether it’s Janay Rice, Stacy Jackson (Mother of Jerry Brown, killed by Josh Brent), or the baby momma, their opinions are irrelevant to me . ---
**Author:** ![EPoch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f6c823/32.png) [@EPoch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EPoch)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2014, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/59 "2014-11-14T21:40:17Z")
> [@Zyanthia](#): > > The NFL should do nothing. > > I don’t understand why people want the NFL to be a dictatorship that runs roughshod over people. The justice system should deal with him, and while he’s serving his penalty in the justice system, he should be ineligible to play. > > Once he’s served his punishment, he should be allowed back in.\*\* I don’t see people jumping on the band wagon to prevent Actors, Actuaries, Artists, Engineers, Politicians etc who perform illegal activities from ever working in their field again, and I don’t feel professional athletes should be treated in any differently.\*\* **Really?!** Whenever there’s someone of high-profile status or committing something immoral, illegal, or controversial somehow, there will be some people who say to to oust that person from keeping the job that made them famous; athletes aren’t the only ones getting this treatment whether it’s Paula Dean to the old guy from _Duck Dynasty._ ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2014, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539/60 "2014-11-14T21:44:33Z")
Let him play for the Minnesota Twins. They’re in need of a good switch hitter. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adrian-peterson-what-should-the-nfl-and-the-vikings-do/698539.md?page=4)