Campus Maximus » s. "Its definitely been a long journey

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Petersons booking on a child abuse charge Saturday has created another crisis for the embattled NFL, already derided for not responding strongly enough to acts of domestic violence by its players. It also has touched off a national debate about the role of corporal punishment in parenting. In the eyes of a Texas grand jury, Peterson crossed the line when he repeatedly struck his son with a tree branch, or switch, in May. Petersons attorney has said he has never run from what happened -- and that Peterson was inflicting the same discipline he endured as a child. "Obviously, parents are entitled to discipline their children as they see fit, except when that discipline exceeds what the community would say is reasonable," Montgomery County Prosecutor Phil Grant said about 12 hours after Peterson was booked and released from jail and released on $15,000 bond. He is charged with causing injury to a child age 14 or younger. Peterson, one of the NFLs most popular players and widely considered one of the best running backs to ever play, flew from Minnesota to Houston in the early morning hours after authorities indicted him on Friday evening. He has a home in both locations. The Vikings almost immediately decided to deactivate him for Sundays game against the New England Patriots, and NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said on Saturday that Petersons case "will be reviewed under the NFLs personal conduct policy." The situation comes as the NFL proceeds with a self-commissioned investigation by a former FBI director into how it handled the case of Ray Rice, who knocked his then-fiancee unconscious in an Atlantic City elevator. Rice was released Monday from the Baltimore Ravens after a video surfaced that showed the violence. The NFL said it hadnt seen the video before then, but a law enforcement source told the AP it was sent to a league executives office in April and provided a voice mail confirming it was received. Unlike Rices situation, Petersons case is complicated by his stance that he meant his son no harm but rather was applying the same discipline he experienced growing up. "Adrian is a loving father who used his judgment as a parent to discipline his son. He used the same kind of discipline with his child that he experienced as a child growing up in East Texas," Petersons attorney, Rusty Hardin said. Steve Eudey, who coached Peterson as a young boy in Palestine, Texas, and has remained a family friend, said he has heard stories from Peterson about his father Nelson "being a firm disciplinarian." "Some of the things his dad did to him was to make him tough," Eudey told The Associated Press. Eudey said he had yet to speak to Peterson since his arrest, but said his actions were consistent with the type of upbringing he had. "I will go to my grave defending Adrian, but at the same time you cant harm a child, either," Eudey said. "I know that was never his intent." Grant, the Texas prosecutor, said the grand jury felt the charge was warranted after spending several weeks reviewing "lots of evidence." Its not unusual for people subjected to physical discipline as children to use corporal punishment against their own children, experts say, and courts will sometimes consider that as a mitigating factor when sentencing an abuser. Peterson faces up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty. News of Petersons charges led several prominent athletes to tweet about their experiences with corporal punishment when they were children. "Am I the only one that got hit with a switch? I had to go outside and pick my own switch. It taught values, respect (and) accountability," former NBA star Tracy McGrady said. But he later qualified those remarks, tweeting, "Disciplining a child is vital. Of course any early physical punishment should be within reason, not overboard, and inside certain boundaries." While the legal process plays out, the NFL is facing a potential test case for the tougher penalties it declared last month for players involved with domestic violence. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced an initial offence will draw a six-week suspension without pay, though "more severe discipline will be imposed if there are aggravating circumstances such as the presence or use of a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child." It is not clear if Petersons case will invoke those penalties. Corporal punishment is legal in Texas, and the law spells out that non-deadly force against a child by a parent or guardian is permissible. But the punishment is abusive if it causes injury. While a blow that causes a red mark that fades in an hour is not likely to be judged abusive, a blow that leaves a bruise, welt, or swelling, or requires medical attention, could be judged abusive. The childs injuries will likely be under scrutiny as the case proceeds. The guidelines also say while spanking with the bare, open hand is least likely to be abusive, use of an instrument "is cause for concern." The Vikings jumped ahead of the NFL and the legal system by shelving Peterson for the game Sunday. Two other teams -- Carolina and San Francisco -- have taken heat for allowing players involved in alleged recent domestic violence incidents to continue to play. The team -- and the league -- will likely face scrutiny as they decide whether Peterson returns to the field as the legal process plays out. As of Saturday, no decision had been made about his outlook this season, and no court date had been set in Texas. Wholesale Puma Shoes . 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The last team in the NBA that will have any sympathy for the Thunder is the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are showing signs of putting everything together after two years of devastating injuries.SAN FRANCISCO -- Bruce Miller recalls springtime three years ago when 49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman called to inquire whether he might be up for a position change. Defence to offence. The answer was simple: of course he would. Miller wanted his best chance to contribute in the NFL as soon as possible. "You know me, I didnt care if it was offence, defence or special teams," Miller said. "That was exciting to know I was on their radar." Now, that well-timed switch has helped Miller earn some job stability. He signed a three-year contract extension with San Francisco on Thursday, ensuring the team can keep a key member of its running game through the 2017 season. The do-everything Miller was lost for the season Dec. 15 with a left shoulder blade injury sustained during a win at Tampa Bay -- and his absence left a huge void. San Francisco greatly missed his contributions the rest of the way before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion and rival Seattle Seahawks in the NFC title game. Miller had a tough time using the arm after the game. He took a hard hit from Buccaneers safety Keith Tandy after a 10-yard catch midway through the fourth quarter. He has been training and rehabbing at 49ers headquarters and is ready for a full off-season program with his teammates. "Its going great. I had a complete, full, healthy recovery," Miller said. "Its looking good. Ill be completely ready and 100 per cent come April 21 and have a great off-season. Im a full participant right now. If we were to start today Id be ready to go." The 26-year-old Miller has been a key blocker for 1,000-yard rusher Frank Gore, and Miller had 25 catches for 243 yards along with seven carries for 13 yards last season. He worked to convert from college defensive end to NFL fullback. Gore has long credited Miller with allowing him to break big gains. "Bruce is a hard-workinng, dedicated young player that has done an outstanding job for us, both on and off the field," 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said.dddddddddddd. "He is one of those players that contributes a lot more to the team and to the community than he gets credit for, yet wouldnt have it any other way. We are pleased that Bruce has chosen to extend his stay with the 49ers." During the 2011 season as a rookie, Miller caught the 49ers lone touchdown in a 19-11 win at Washington and emerged as a feel-good story in coach Jim Harbaughs first season. Harbaugh has appreciated Miller from Day 1. Especially considering Miller was open to the idea of converting from defensive end to fullback. The move gave him a regular job with the 49ers. "Its definitely been a long journey and a lot of hard work, but its been a blast. I couldnt have planned it out any better for me," Miller said. "Three years as a part of this organization, I couldnt ask for anything more. Excited for whats to come." Miller was a dominant defensive end for Central Florida, earning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honours while becoming the schools all-time sacks leader with 36. "Ive had so much help, especially when I first came in, transitioning to offence," Miller said. "Him having the confidence of putting me out on the field and letting me play that first year was big." While Miller has quietly emerged supporting Gore and the running backs in so many ways, he has become one of the players the Niners count on most. San Francisco has increased his role and load each season, and he would love to take on even more. "For me, its wanting to definitely just be a part and do whatever I can to help our offence be successful. Every year its been evolving and more on my plate," Miller said. "Hopefully, more additions and a little more playing time for me." ' ' '