NFL losing commercial sponsors during Ravens, Vikings games

The NFL’s multi-billion dollar business is being impacted by the league’s widely-criticized handling of the violent actions involving players Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson.

More from Baltimore Ravens

• Ravens need to give Odell Beckham Jr. a reason not to retire
• NFL Rumors: Ravens additions might not be done after signing Melvin Gordon
• NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
• Is Mark Ingram’s new CFB gig a signal that he’s retired from NFL?
• NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?

According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, certain sponsors have asked to have their ads removed or adjusted during games featuring the Minnesota Vikings or the Baltimore Ravens.

"Several NFL sponsors also are asking questions. Multiple media buyers tell THR that clients have requested their ads not appear during games featuring the Ravens or Minnesota Vikings, the team of suspended running back Adrian Peterson (due in a Texas court Oct. 8 on a child abuse charge for whipping his 4-year-old son). CBS, which kicked off its $275 million Thursday Night Football package Sept. 11 with strong ratings for a Ravens game, had one sponsor ask to be removed from the broadcast and another request its ads shift, likely away from a discussion of the violence issue during CBS Sports’ pregame report. CBS declined to identify the sponsors."

No sponsor has defected completely from football, according to the report, but they are losing confidence in the league. Anheuser-Busch, Pepsi and McDonalds have all spoken out against the NFL for its handling of the situations. THR says Radisson Hotels has suspended its sponsorship with the Vikings.

The more the NFL and Roger Goodell screw this up, the more it will impact the business. For the first time in many years, the invincible NFL looks mortal, and its commissioner seems to be in over his head. Still, the NFL will bounce back from this. It is too important for sponsors to pull out completely, and that’s the reality.

However with the league being widely criticized and consumer confidence dropping, it should act as a humbling experience.

More from FanSided:

Matt Ryan and the 5 best stats from NFL’s Week 3
Raiders’ Matt Schaub not going to London for game
Stevie Johnson trolls fantasy football players
Twitter supports Bill Simmons after ESPN ban
ESPN suspends Bill Simmons for three weeks