Nike Drops Adrian Peterson Endorsement Deal Following Child Abuse Plea Deal

Nike has dropped its partnership with Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson amid accusations of child abuse. A spokesman for the sportswear company confirmed the termination of the contract to ESPN on Thursday.

Nike initially suspended its contract with Peterson as one of the company’s spokespeople on Sept. 17. The contract suspension meant they stopped paying the football player and he would not be considered for advertising. According to the company, moral clauses in the contract allow for the company to terminate deals with its athletes depending on the details of a case.

Castrol and EpiPen have already pulled their endorsement deals with Peterson when charges were initially brought up.

Peterson has been embroiled in controversy after being accused of child abuse. On Tuesday, he managed to avoid jail time after reaching a plea deal, but will still face repercussions at the hands of the NFL.

“The NFL advised Adrian Peterson this afternoon that following his plea agreement to resolve his criminal case in Texas his matter will now be reviewed for potential discipline under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy,” the league said in a statement.

Peterson has missed eight of this seasons games but has still been collecting his salary while being benched. The New York Daily News estimates that he has earned $5.5 million during his suspension.