Will Radisson’s suspended sponsorship evoke a change for the NFL?

Minnesota Vikings’ decision to reinstate Adrian Peterson caused a temporary sponsorship loss for the team. Will additional league sponsors follow suit? 

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Although the NFL’s top corporate sponsors have supported the league through a string of player-related crises, the foundation finally seems to be cracking.

Radisson Hotels announced Monday evening it’s suspending its sponsorship of the Minnesota Vikings. The announcement came after Vikings general manager Rick Spielman spoke at a media conference, explaining the team’s decision to reinstate Adrian Peterson, a running back for the Vikings who was indicted for child abuse after he allegedly beat his 4-year-old son with a tree branch this summer.

Radisson’s statement reads:

Radisson takes this matter very seriously particularly in light of our long-standing commitment to the 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 facts and circumstances.

Peterson was booked and released on $15,000 bail Sept. 13. He was deactivated by the Vikings and did not play in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, but is expected to play again Sept. 21.

In the media conference Speilman said the decisions were made by the team, not the NFL. In his words:

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