Peterson to Play Sunday Despite Abuse Charges

The NFL has been rocked by domestic violence allegations, most notably in the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson cases, but Peterson will play Sunday against the Saints after being reinstated by the Vikings today, the AP reports. As debate rages on about what punishment should be doled out to the running back for allegedly abusing his 4-year-old son—with some saying the discipline he administered is "perfectly legal"—Vikings GM Rick Spielman says the team is "trying to do the right thing," adding the team "[believes] he deserves to play while the legal process plays out."

Meanwhile, Peterson issued a statement today through his agency in which he said he wants "everyone to understand how sorry I feel about the hurt I have brought to my child. I am not a perfect son. I am not a perfect husband. I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser." (More Adrian Peterson stories.)