Video: Spanking or Abuse? – The Adrian Peterson Case

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WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – The NFL is again facing stiff criticism after one its players is accused of child abuse. Minnesota Vikings player Adrian Peterson is under scrutiny after he was indicted for allegedly abusing his four-year old son.

NFL Running Back Adrian Peterson was indicted Friday for hitting his four-year old son with a switch or small tree branch. Peterson was not allowed to play in Sunday’s game.
Now, the Vikings say Peterson can return to the field until the case against him is resolved. Heather Usry is the outreach coordinator for the child advocacy organization Sally Kate Winters in West Point. She says most parents are trying to provide guidance as they their discipline children.

“Their motivations are usually in the right place but sometimes without being aware of where to draw the line, things can go to far unintentionally,” says Usry.

The case against Peterson has brought national attention to the issue of child abuse. Research shows that the number of parents choosing to spank children has declined in recent years. Still, some people say it should be left up to the parents to decide.

Peterson has defended himself on Social Media saying, “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.”

“I think the most important thing to consider is to be aware of your actions, to make sure that you are indeed disciplining and not in fact harming children,” says Usry.

Adrian Peterson could face up to two years in prison if he’s found guilty of child abuse.