Minnesota Vikings Bench Star Running Back Indefinitely

The Minnesota Vikings have bowed to pressure. Team officials are benching star running back Adrian Peterson indefinitely.

The Vikings issued a statement early this morning (Wednesday, September 17, 2014) announcing that they have placed Peterson on the commissioner's exempt list. The designation means that Peterson can't participate in team activities until his legal troubles are resolved.

Late last week, Peterson was indicted on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child in Texas. He's accused of bruising his four-year-old son while hitting him with a switch.

Peterson turned himself in to authorities in Texas early Saturday morning. He did not play in the Vikings' home-opener on Sunday -- a 30-7 loss to the New England Patriots.

On Monday, the Vikings announced that Peterson was back with the team and would play play in Sunday's game at New Orleans. But plenty has changed over the last two days.

A report has emerged that Peterson was under investigation for allegedly beating another one of his sons. Sponsors also expressed their displeasure with how the matter was being handled by the team and NFL.

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton also had harsh words for Peterson yesterday when he called for the running back's immediate suspension from the Vikings.

Team officials reversed course on their decision to activate Peterson early this morning. They have decided to bench their star running back until his legal troubles are resolved.

Peterson's initial court appearance is scheduled for October 8th.