Vikings Player Doesn't Think It's 'Fair' That Adrian Peterson Is Deactivated

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn believes Adrian Peterson should still be on the field, even after an indictment for child abuse.

"I don't think it's fair at all. I really don't. My personal opinion on it. I don't think it's fair at all. I think he should be able to play. He hasn't been convicted or nothing," Munnerlyn told reporters on Wednesday. "All these allegations of this and that, pictures out, but he hasn't been convicted of nothing. In crimes and stuff, you're innocent until you're convicted guilty. And I don't think he's guilty of nothing yet. And I think he should be able to play football. I really don't get it."

Peterson was indicted in a child injury case in Texas last week. The indictment stems from an incident in May 2014 in which he allegedly disciplined his 4-year-old son by striking him with a tree branch. Hours after the Vikings running back apologized on Monday for "the hurt [he has] brought to [his] child," KHOU-TV in Houston reported that Peterson had also been reported to Child Protective Services over separate child abuse allegations involving another young son.

After the indictment was made public, the Vikings deactivated Peterson for their Week 2 game against the New England Patriots. The team reinstated Peterson the day after the game, only to reverse course again later in the week and deactivate him until the case against him has been resolved.

"Where I'm from in Alabama, how I was raised, it's the same thing. If Adrian wasn't in the limelight, I don't think this would be coming up at all," Munnerlyn continued. "Because you raise your kids how you raise your kids. They're your kids. I think Adrian is a great guy. Great dude. Great father. Great football player."