Sponsors Are Bailing On Vikings, Adrian Peterson

The backlash over Adrian Peterson began as mere fan and media outcry, which the Vikings were willing to endure in the name of wins, but has now reached the critical stage where the mess is beginning to cost people money.

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And soon the Vikings may have to change their tune on supporting Adrian Peterson, even if it means losing games.

It started when the Radisson hotel chain, which has its corporate logo on the backing used at Vikings press conferences, suspended its “limited partnership” with the team.

So the next time Rick Spielman has to go out and stumble his way through an uncomfortable press conference about some decision that had nothing to do with him, you won’t be seeing the Radisson logo over his shoulder.

Since then the floodgates have positively opened up.

Castrol has ended its relationship with Adrian Peterson.

Wheaties has pulled all Peterson-related material from their website (though they say his contract with them was up anyway).

The Special Olympics too say they don’t want anything to do with Adrian Peterson anymore. Catholic Charities has also severed ties with the running back.

Nike has pulled Adrian Peterson merchandise from Twin Cities area stores.

Verizon, however, is still sticking by Adrian. For now.

And then there’s Anheuser-Busch, who have released a statement saying they are concerned about the NFL’s response to recent controversies including the Peterson matter.

"“We are disappointed and increasingly concerned by the recent incidents that have overshadowed this NFL season,” a representative for Anheuser-Busch said in a statement. “We are not yet satisfied with the league’s handling of behaviors that so clearly go against our own company culture and moral code. We have shared our concerns and expectations with the league.”"

The Vikings may wish to keep Adrian Peterson in the fold, and the league may wish to stay out of the matter altogether, but in this world money talks.

If big-name sponsors continue threatening to turn off the flow of cash, things could change quickly on the disciplinary front for Adrian Peterson.

Right now, the Vikings are standing behind their man. But if the corporate powers behind the NFL start making real threats? You can bet the team and/or league won’t hesitate to toss Adrian Peterson under the bus.