Ex-NFLer Cris Carter speaks out against child abuse

Chris Carter, a Hall of Fame wide receiver who played 16 seasons in the NFL, took an emotional and fervent stance against child abuse before the start of Sundays 14-game schedule.

Carter, 48, was reacting to Saturdays news that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had turned himself into authorities. He has been released on $15,000 US bond after being charged with beating his four-year-old son with a tree branch.

Speaking to a national television audience on a pre-game show, Carter stated that people with any type of Christian background believe in disciplining their children.

• Watch on mobile: Cris Carter's emotional stance

You cant beat a kid to make them do what you want them to do, said Carter, adding his mother raised seven children.

My mom did the best job she could do raising seven kids by herself. But there are thousands of things I have learned since that my mom was wrong about some of that stuff she taught me. And I promised my kids I wouldnt teach that mess to them.

Peterson, who didnt show up for the Vikings home opener on Sunday, is accused of repeatedly striking his son, and has told authorities he did so as a means of discipline.

Minnesota deactivated, but didnt suspend, Peterson, meaning he couldnt play Sunday.

If convicted, Peterson could face a minimum six-game suspension under the NFLs new tougher domestic abuse policy.

Earlier this week, running back Ray Rice was released by the Baltimore Ravens and handed an indefinite suspension by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after a video of him punching his then-fiancee, Janay Palmer, surfaced.

Also Sunday, the Carolina Panthers reversed course and deactivated defensive end Greg Hardy, who is appealing a conviction for assault and communicating threats.