"Dancing with the Stars" Returns Tonight to ABC with NFL Player Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson, a former NFL player with a history of child abuse, will be appearing on "Dancing with the Stars," sparking controversy.

In 2014, a shocking incident involving Minnesota Vikings player Adrian Peterson came to light. He was indicted by a Texas grand jury on a felony charge for allegedly subjecting his then 4-year-old son to severe physical abuse. The allegations stated that Peterson had beaten his son with a "switch" on various parts of his body, including his back, buttocks, genitals, ankles, and legs. The child suffered numerous lacerations as a result. Peterson defended his actions by stating that this was how he was disciplined as a child in Texas.

As the legal proceedings unfolded, Peterson pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of misdemeanor reckless assault. This allowed him to avoid jail time, but he was placed on a two-year probation period, fined $4,000, and required to complete 80 hours of community service. Additionally, he faced a one-year suspension from the NFL, leading to his exclusion from the remainder of the 2014 season.

However, Peterson's troubles did not end there. In February 2022, he was arrested on a domestic violence charge by the Los Angeles Airport Police. Despite posting a $50,000 bond, Peterson managed to convince his wife to drop the charges against him.

Now, in a surprising turn of events, Peterson is set to make his debut on the popular show "Dancing with the Stars." The show, which returns to ABC tonight after being banished to Disney Plus for a season, was chosen by the network to fill the programming void caused by ongoing strikes. Despite the controversies surrounding Peterson's past, ABC saw fit to include him as a contestant, perhaps attracted by the attention and controversy he brings.

Alongside Peterson, other celebrities will be taking the stage tonight. These include Mira Sorvino, who may be the first Oscar winner among the contestants, Jamie Spears (sister of Britney Spears), and singer Jason Mraz. It's a typical mix of B-list celebrities that the show often features.

However, the decision to include Peterson on "DWTS" may not sit well with everyone. There is a possibility of pickets outside the show's venue tonight, as the SAG AFTRA strike and the Writers Guild strike are still ongoing. While technically "DWTS" operates under a different contract than the affected unions, it is not a favorable look for union members to be participating in a show that includes a known child abuser until all the strikes are fully resolved. The inclusion of Peterson raises ethical questions and highlights the complexities of the entertainment industry's decision-making process.

In conclusion, Adrian Peterson's journey from a felony charge for child abuse to appearing on "Dancing with the Stars" is a controversial and perplexing one. The decision to include him on the show raises concerns about the values and priorities of the network, especially in the midst of ongoing strikes. It remains to be seen how the public will react to this development and how it will impact Peterson's future in the entertainment industry.