Child abuse has seemingly become a pervasive trend not only in the United States, but worldwide. Concurrently, there are those who think that spanking and other forms of physical discipline ensures future discipline and integrity. But is child abuse being mistaken for discipline?  Recently, Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings has been faced with this question. The NFL star has child abuse allegations against him, which are causing questions to emerge about the legality of spanking a child.

Peterson is accused of using a wooden switch to spank his 4-year-old son. He faces a charge of reckless or negligent injury to a child, which carries penalties of up to two years in prison. Late Monday, a second accusation of child abuse surfaced against Peterson, dating back more than a year. However, a number of supporters are questioning the intention of the so-called abuse. Was it abuse or simply a cultural act of discipline? Peterson, growing up in a family who strongly believed in the need for spanking as an act of discipline saw no wrong doing in carrying out the tradition towards his child.  Peterson stated, “Deep in my heart I have always believed I could have been one of those kids that was lost in the streets without the discipline instilled in me by my parents and other relatives,” he wrote. “I have always believed that the way my parents disciplined me has a great deal to do with the success I have enjoyed as a man.”

The Vikings reinstated Peterson, who issued a statement that said he wanted “everyone to understand how sorry I feel about the hurt I have brought to my child.”I am not a perfect son. I am not a perfect husband. I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser,” Peterson said in the statement. “I am someone that disciplined his child and did not intend to cause him any injury.

Peterson’s allegations have catalyzed a national debate on where to draw the line between child abuse and discipline. Should this event be considered a crime? Is it a father leading his son to success? Regardless, the NFL will make its decision that will highly impact the fate of Peterson’s football career.