Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson was always known for his hustle on the field, to finish big plays and score touchdowns for his team. He is remembered for his comeback season in 2011, where he came just short of passing the all time record for most rushing yards by an NFL player in history. Likewise, he did after tearing his ACL in the second game the season before. Now, Peterson faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison if convicted in court. Although, 2 years is a lot, many people think that he should get a similar penalty to that of Ray Rice. As new information is getting leaked to the world everyday, many question the security taken around the NFL. For three events to happen, all announced within 3 weeks, many begin to question why the NFL hasn't handed down harsher penalties for offenses so they wouldn't be committed again. Each time, the situation gets worse and worse by the minute.
     As for Peterson, he claims that "without a doubt, he is not a child abuser." What I don't understand is why haven't the NFL suspended Peterson on the spot and not let him wiggle his way out of the situation. Perhaps Peterson is "a loving father," but you can't be respected for laying your hands and a child, for any reason. As society changes, more domestic violence is prevalent. It's a result of past dramatic experiences, which is what Peterson tried to state in his argument. Back then, harsh penalties were used as teaching devices to torture children and ridicule them so they wouldn't commit the same mistake again.
     I can personally connect to the methods used back then because my father was often beaten with a belt when he failed on a test. Although it didn't happen that much, he still left with numerous scars on his back. So I feel sorry for Peterson's son. Well now, son's. Both four year old sons were abused by Peterson with a switch and the bruises appeared more apparent.
      Every good parent knows controlling your temper is the first step before issuing any punishment, even if it is only to make a kid stand in the corner. (Jackson 1). I agree with this statement because Jackson is right. I feel if Adrian Peterson had controlled his temper the first time, before the first punishment, maybe he can avoid harming his son. If he would have taken a calmer approach and was not focus on punishing out of malicious intent, I'm sure that Peterson could have thought of a different alternative to punish his child. Now, Peterson must man up to his consequences for his actions and not hide behind his past. Just because he was beaten as a child at an early age, doesn't mean it is alright to strike a little kid.