The League officially lost its mind and backbone tonight in one swipe. The league’s top running back was deactivated from the roster because an indictment of negligent injury to a child. The charge stems from a report that he spanked his son with a switch. In other words, he inflicted the same punishment on his son that the majority of southern parents I know and know of have used for longer than I’ve been alive. This is the same punishment I faced when I stepped out of line, and yes, I still spank my kids. I don’t expect to go to jail for that.
It is no secret that the league is scared silly of media perceptions. The deactivation is, in part, the result of the state of Texas’ request to have Peterson in custody, but he easily could’ve been allowed to play. I believe the fear of the negative press drove the team to make this move. TMZ has been riding this guy for years–since the 2012 death of his 2 yr old son. The overwhelming early TMZ verdict on the dude was that he’s a deadbeat dad who skimped on child support. However, upon further digging, the station learned the opposite to be true. I think we will find more of the same here. This is a guy who spanked his kid, wound up facing a grand jury. Was relieved when the grand jury decided NOT to indict, only to discover just recently that their changed their minds.
The difference? Ray Rice.