By: The Associated Press//September 17, 2014//
(Associated Press) — Major sponsors including Anheuser-Busch are adding to the chorus of disapproval over the National Football League’s recent scandals, but the companies are stopping short of pulling advertising.
Anheuser-Busch said Tuesday that it has spoken with the NFL about concerns related to recent incidents that are sparking outcry from fans, including an investigation into how long the NFL and its commissioner Roger Goodell knew about a video that shows Baltimore Raven Ray Rice beating his then-fiancee; as well as the Minnesota Vikings’ decision to let Adrian Peterson play while he faces an abuse charge for spanking his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.
McDonald’s, Visa and Campbell Soup Co. say they have also voiced similar concerns to the league.
The statements come after Radisson hotels said Monday that it was pulling its sponsorship of the Minnesota Vikings. No other brands have pulled sponsorships from teams or the NFL.
But the statements from sponsors are becoming increasingly strongly worded.