"After giving the situation additional thought, we have decided this is the appropriate course of action for the organization and for Adrian," Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf said in the statement. "We are always focused on trying to make the right decision as an organization.
"We embrace our role -- and the responsibilities that go with it -- as a leader in the community, as a business partner and as an organization that can build bridges with our fans and positively impact this great region. We appreciate and value the input we have received from our fans, our partners and the community."
Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, told The Associated Press that "This is the best possible outcome given the circumstances."
"Adrian understands the gravity of the situation, and this enables him to take care of his personal situation. We fully support Adrian, and he looks forward to watching his teammates and coaches being successful during his absence."
Peterson also tweeted shortly after the announcement:
pic.twitter.com/rvdQu5KBO3Peterson was indicted last week in Montgomery County, Texas, on a felony count of reckless or negligent injury to a child. The charge stems from a whipping incident that reportedly left bruises and wounds on much of his 4-year-old son.
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) September 17, 2014
The running back has said he was disciplining his son the same way his own father disciplined him while growing up in Texas and that he didn't intend to hurt him.
Peterson also was accused in 2013 in Texas of injuring another of his young sons, who has a different mother, although charges were never brought. Those allegations reportedly were filed to the state's Child Protective Services agency, according to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.
Peterson had been deactivated for the Vikings' Week 2 game against the New England Patriots after the indictment was made public.
Minnesota then reinstated Peterson on Monday, citing concern for due process and the legal proceedings. The Vikings said they had further deliberations with the NFL on Monday and Tuesday, and informed the league they were revisiting the situation.
Executives were at the team's Winter Park headquarters late into the night Tuesday, discussing how to respond to the avalanche of criticism of their Monday announcement.
"While we were trying to make a balanced decision yesterday, after further reflection we have concluded that this resolution is best for the Vikings and for Adrian," the Vikings' statement said. "We want to be clear: we have a strong stance regarding the protection and welfare of children, and we want to be sure we get this right. At the same time we want to express our support for Adrian and acknowledge his seven-plus years of outstanding commitment to this organization and this community.
"Adrian emphasized his desire to avoid further distraction to his teammates and coaches while focusing on his current situation; this resolution accomplishes these objectives as well. We will support Adrian during this legal and personal process, but we firmly believe and realize this is the right decision. We hope that all of our fans can respect the process that we have gone through to reach this final decision."
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