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Public Opinion Varied On Vikings, Peterson

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – From the cover of the New York Daily News on Monday that featured a smiling Vikings fan carrying a switch, to the dozens of reporters and photographers who descended on Winter Park Wednesday for a news conference, criticism of the team has been harsh.

As the Vikings owners explained yet another about face, the analysis from ESPN's analysts was tough.

"Now they are saying 'We finally got it right. We want to do the right thing' Who is defining the right in that organization?" analyst Brian Dawkins said.

Fans WCCO spoke with were more supportive.

"It should have been a decision made right away to leave him off until it's settled," fan Dick Anderson said.

"I think that them making this decision right now, and letting it play out, is the right thing to do," Rachel Walstad said.

WCCO also found some sympathy for Peterson.

"I don't think he meant to hurt his child. But I think he was just using the methods that he was brought up with as a child," Fred Brown said.

Fans weren't the only ones with a bad case of whiplash. Just before midnight last night a Nike statement was released.

"Adrian Peterson remains a Nike athlete. His product continues to be available for purchase at Nike retail destinations," the statement read.

Less than twelve hours later Nike released another statement with a different message.

"Nike in no way condones child abuse or domestic violence of any kind and has shared our concerns with the NFL. We have suspended our contract with Adrian Peterson," the latest statement read.

Also, the backdrop for Monday's news conference featured the Radisson hotels logo.

Monday night the hotel chain broke ties with the team.

Then Wednesday's news conference featured a Vikings.com backdrop.

The Vikings about face has not changed the Radisson's decision about the team. A Radisson spokesperson said Wednesday that Radisson's sponsorship of the Vikings remains suspended.

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