A father is supposed to guide a child in their achievements and mistakes as well. If the child falters, they rely on their father as a safety net, not be scared of them.
Parenting has evolved over generations, and people have realized that punishment can be constructive through communication, unlike when they set their kids straight by hitting them.
The following case raises valid discourse on what accounts for disciplining and what is straight-up abuse.
In 2014, Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings running back, was accused of hitting his 4-year-old son with a switch, which resulted in cuts and bruises throughout his body, including his buttocks and scrotum. The NFL star’s mother, Bonita Jackson, came to his defense, stating that he is a good father just disciplining his kid. Adrian did not receive any harsh sentence and was instead issued with probation and anger management. NFL suspended the player for the final 15 games last season.
Why Did Adrian Peterson Hit His Son?
Adrian Peterson, 38, father of six children, has experienced a roller-coaster self-journey.
A 7-year-old Adrian grieved the loss of his older brother, who was killed in an accident by a drunk driver. When he turned 13, his father, who was also into sports, was arrested for money laundering and a cocaine ring and sentenced to ten years.
This traumatic phase, early in his childhood, shaped his interest in sports. But his sufferings weren’t ending anytime soon, as just the night before he was participating in teh NFL Combine, one of his half-brothers was murdered.
However, a rough life doesn’t imply that a man has to imbibe toughness. Adrian adapted “disciplinary” methods to his children to rectify their mistakes.
Bonita Jackson’s defense of his son raises more concerns than accordance. She said in an interview–
‘I don’t care what anybody says. Most of us disciplined our kids a little more than we meant sometimes,’
‘But we were only trying to prepare them for the real world.’
‘When you whip those you love, it’s not about abuse, but love,’
‘You want to make them understand that they did wrong.’ […]
‘My son is not a perfect man by no means, but in the end I’m proud to be his mom,’ she said. ‘For the most part he is trying hard to be a good parent, he’s working at it. People are judging him, but they don’t know his heart. This was never his intent.’
Peterson told USA Today–
“That discipline is embedded in me.”
“It’s the reason that I am where I am.”
What Did Adrian Peterson Get Accused Of?
After the news about an injured kid surfaced, Peterson was indicted for “reckless or negligent injury to a child” in Montgomery County.
The NFL star pleaded no contest and received a reduced charge of misdemeanor reckless assault.
The maximum he received was a two-year probation period. He was fined $4000 (which is nothing compared to what he coughs up in his football career). Adrain also had to fulfill the mandatory 80 hours of community service.
He also reportedly had to attend an anger management program.
What Happened to Adrian Peterson’s Kid?
In 2013, insurmountable grief engulfed him when he lost his 2-year-old son, Tyrese Ruffin, who suffered painful brain injuries from repeated blows to his fragile toddler head. Joseph Robert Patterson, the mother’s boyfriend, was convicted of the second-degree murder of a child and received a life sentence.
Peterson carried the guilt of being absent when his child needed him the most. In fact, he was made aware that he had a child right before his death.
What Did Adrian Peterson Do to Get Suspended?
The NFL suspended him for a year, but he continued playing for the Vikings for two more years after the abuse.
In 2014, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell drafted a stern disciplinary letter for Peterson because he showed inadequate remorse for his actions.
The league also issued another letter to the player stating that his reinstatement was “based on the results of the counseling and treatment program set forth in this decision. Under this two-step approach, the precise length of the suspension will depend on your actions. We are prepared to put in place a program that can help you to succeed, but no program can succeed without your genuine and continuing engagement. You must commit yourself to your counseling and rehabilitative effort, properly care for your children, and have no further violations of law or league policy.”
Ironically, Peterson prefers disciplining by hitting his kid, while he got disciplined by a mere letter.
He returned to the NFL scene and continues to play as a free agent. He is currently a contestant in Dancing With The Stars.
Another player was heavily shielded by the NFL. Tyreek Mill was accused of child abuse when he hit his 3-year-old son, causing a broken arm.
What does it say about fatherhood? Do you agree with Peterson and his mother that the physical approach accounts for disciplining?
Was Peterson let go off so easily? Let us know in the comments section below.
