Nike Terminates Contract with Adrian Peterson

Another high-profile running back in danger of losing his Nike deal.

Nike Suspends Contract with Adrian Peterson

words // Brandon Richard

It’s been a busy week for Nike, who recently terminated the contracts of Ray Rice and Olympic runner Oscar Pistorious for personal conduct. Now the company has decided to suspend its deal with Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, following his indictment on a count of reckless or negligent injury to a child last Friday.

"Nike in no way condones child abuse or domestic violence of any kind and has shared our concerns with the NFL," company spokesman KeJuan Wilkins said in a statement. "We have suspended our contract with Adrian Peterson."

As reported by ESPN’s Darren Rovell, Nike’s contracts include moral clauses, which allow them to take action, without penalty, on a deal based on acts that affect the brand.

Nike outfitted Peterson through 2011, before he played the 2012 season without a shoe deal. He was re-signed by Nike in 2013.

Early this morning, the Vikings announced that Peterson was put on the NFL’s exempt list, which keeps him away from team activities, while paying his full salary.

UPDATE: Following Peterson’s no-contest plea to one count of misdemeanor reckless assault on his 4-year son, Nike has decided to terminate his contract. A spokesman confirmed the news with ESPN earlier today.

Darren Rovell reports that Peterson’s plea likely gave Nike the ability to cut his deal without any financial penalty. They deal had been suspended since September 17, meaning Peterson wasn't paid or used for advertising.

The incident has also cost Peterson deals with Castrol and EpiPen.

Peterson is the fourth Nike athlete to lose an endorsement deal this year. The brand previously cut ties with Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, Olympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius and UFC fighter Jon ‘Bones’ Jones.

Nike Terminates Contract with Adrian Peterson (2)

image via Kevin Jairaj for USA Today Sports