Nike drops Adrian Peterson as spokesman

Nike, the Oregon-based sports apparel giant, said Thursday it had dropped Adrian Peterson as a spokesman.

"Adrian Peterson is no longer a Nike athlete," said the Nike statement.

In September, Nike had "suspended" its relationship with Peterson after the Minnesota Vikings running back was indicted in Texas on a felony injury to a child charge for allegedly beating his 4-year-old son with a switch.

In a plea agreement Tuesday in Texas, Peterson pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of misdemeanor reckless assault. He was fined $4,000 and ordered to perform 80 hours of community service.

Peterson has been on the NFL's exempt/commissioner's permission list, which has entitled him to continue receiving pay while not playing for the Vikings.

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He remains subject to potential NFL discipline under the league's personal conduct policy.

When Nike introduced new Vikings uniforms in 2013, Peterson was pictured in the promotional effort.

"I've worked closely with Nike designers for years to provide input on the way this uniform should be built," Peterson said in a 2013 press release. "The way a uniform fits really does matter when you're out there on the field. I think fans will love the new design — it's the way a Viking is supposed to look."

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