The Radisson hotel chain became the first sponsor Monday to back away from its involvement with the NFL amid the chaos that has enveloped the league over the past week.
On Monday night, hours after its logo appeared on the banner behind Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman as he explained the team's decision to play running back Adrian Peterson in the near future, Radisson announced it was suspending its sponsorship with the team.
"Radisson takes this matter very seriously particularly in light of our long-standing commitment to the protection of children," the company said in a statement. "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 released on bond Saturday after being indicted on a child-abuse charge that involved hitting his 4-year-old son with a stick.
He said in a statement Monday that he didn't abuse his child but was rather enforcing the discipline that he was given when he was young.
The Vikings deactivated Peterson on Sunday but said on Monday that the star running back would be back against the New Orleans Saints this weekend as the team lets the legal process play out.
