The National Football League ruled this week that Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings, one of its best players, will be suspended the rest of the season, up until April 15 at the earliest, because of the injury he caused to his 4-year-old son while disciplining him with a switch earlier this year. Peterson “whupped” the boy until he bled, raising welts that were still unhealed after the boy returned to Minnesota.

There are many football fans who are disappointed. The Vikings are struggling offensively this season and certainly could use Peterson back in the lineup. Peterson has resolved his legal situation in Texas, they say, and should be allowed to practice his profession.

But this is an issue that transcends sports. This is about the well-being of a young child and other young children Peterson has fathered. This is also about what society expects of its celebrities and stars. Professional sports organizations hold their players to higher standards than most people. Players sign contracts with personal conduct clauses, giving the leagues the right to impose discipline for violations.

And, cynically, it is also about money. Domestic violence and child abuse are things the National Football League does not want to be seen as condoning. A tarnished image could cost the league a lot of money.

Whether the motivation is altruistic or fisal, the NFL is taking a stern stance with Peterson. Peterson needs to take time, get some counseling and parenting lessons, and hopefully he will come back a better father as well as a great football player.