Minnesota Vikings and Radisson Hotels cut ties

Back in September, the Minnesota Vikings and the Radisson Hotel chain saw their partnership be put on hold. This was because of the negative attention that the team’s running back Adrian Peterson had received following allegations of child abuse. That sponsorship that was paused never ended up resuming, and now we know why.

A recent article on the ESPN website by Darren Rovell explained that Radisson has allowed their sponsorship to end and will not seek to continue working with the Minnesota Vikings. Here is the statement from Ben Gareen that was included in that article.

"“Our suspended sponsorship has now expired and was not renewed.”"

May 9, 2014; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman (left), linebacker Anthony Barr, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, and head coach Mike Zimmer (right) pose for pictures at Winter Park Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

That’s pretty straight and to the point. Fans of the Minnesota Vikings have learned to get used to seeing the Radisson name on the backdrop for interviews and press releases from the team. In fact, the Norseman logo and the Radisson logo shared the stage when Bridgewater and Barr were introduced following the 2014 NFL Draft. Now, the word Radisson has been replaced by the Pepsi logo on that backdrop.

When Radisson put their sponsorship on hold, they offered this statement:

"“Radisson takes this matter very seriously, particularly in light of our long-standing commitment to protection of children. We are closely following the situation, and effective immediately, Radisson is suspending its limited sponsorship of the Minnesota Vikings while we evaluate the circumstances.”"

There’s little doubt that the company still feels the same way. It’s sad to see things end poorly between Radisson Hotels and the Minnesota Vikings, but every company has a certain image that they want to give off and a tone they want to give to their investors.

For Radisson, standing up for what they believe in and severing ties with the Minnesota Vikings may not be the right move financially, but you can’t put a price on morality. Personally, I’m fine with seeing the Pepsi logo going forward, but it will still take a little getting used to.

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