Vikings place Adrian Peterson on exempt list

MINNEAPOLIS (KABC) -- The Minnesota Vikings have reversed their stance on running back Adrian Peterson again following widespread criticism on how they've handled child-abuse charges against him.

Peterson has been placed on the exempt/commissioner's permission list, meaning he must stay away from the team until the case against him is resolved.

Peterson, 29, is charged with a felony for using a wooden switch to spank his 4-year-old son. Peterson says he was just disciplining his son the way his father disciplined him and didn't intend to hurt the child.

On Monday, the Vikings reinstated the running back, saying he could play this Sunday. That announcement angered fans and worried sponsors. The Radisson hotel chains suspended its relationship with the Vikings, and Papa John's Pizza was apparently considering the same.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) urged the owners to reconsider that decision. The team has essentially re-suspended Peterson, forcing him to stay away from the team while he addresses the child abuse charges.

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said Wednesday that the team "made a mistake" in bringing back its superstar following his indictment.

"We made a mistake and we need to get this right," he said at a crowded news conference. "It is important to always listen to our fans and the community and our sponsors. Our goal is always to make the decision we feel is right for the Minnesota Vikings ... We want to be sure we get this right."

Peterson's agent says placing his client on the exempt list is really the "best possible outcome given the circumstances."

In addition to losing his football salary, Peterson has lost sponsors, too. Some sporting goods stores have also removed his jerseys from its shelves.

"Adrian wants to continue his work in the NFL and contribute to his team and community. In order to do so, he is prepared to resolve this matter in the appropriate legal forum rather than the court of public opinion," Peterson's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said in a statement. "Ours is the greatest legal system in the world, and Adrian is confident that a just result will emerge once all the facts are presented."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.