Anheuser-Busch: Deep concern of NFL handling of abuse cases

In another indication of the hit to the NFL's reputation, major sponsor Anheuser-Busch is expressing concern over the league's handling of the recent domestic violence and child abuse charges facing active players.

Anheuser-Busch, the official beer of the NFL since 2011, previously had declined to comment on the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson cases, among others. But Tuesday, an A-B spokesperson released this statement:

"We are disappointed and increasingly concerned by the recent incidents that have overshadowed this NFL season. We are not yet satisfied with the league's handling of behaviors that so clearly go against our own company culture and moral code. We have shared our concerns and expectations with the league."

The NFL's response?

"We understand," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said of the Anheuser-Busch statement. "We are taking action and there will be much more to come."

Robert Tuchman, a sports business expert and president of sports and entertainment marketing company Goviva, says the NFL's move Monday to retain several women experts in the field of domestic violence is in part to protect its business side.

And he said Anheuser-Busch's statement is likely in response to concerns by its customers and the public at large.

"My take is that they are probably receiving tons of calls from consumers and public advocates," Tuchman says of A-B. "I think unless even more comes out that you will find most of these major sponsors saying the same thing.

"They are not going to pull out, though, unless more is uncovered. The NFL is too valuable for them."

But the Radisson hotel chain announced Monday it is suspending its sponsorship of the Minnesota Vikings because of star running back Peterson's indictment for child abuse in Texas.

And according to the Associated Press, some Nike stores in suburban Minneapolis have pulled any merchandise with Peterson's name and number.

Other major sponsors, such as PepsiCo, have not backed off support of the NFL but also expressed concern. Nike, PepsiCo and Marriott all declined to comment Tuesday, as did Lenovo, the official computer supplier to the NFL.

Mylan Inc. said it had ended its association of having Peterson promote its EpiPen, used to treat allergic reactions. Peterson in the past has dealt with anaphylaxis, The running back had participated in several promotions to raise awareness for anaphylaxis, severe, which is a severe whole-body allergic reaction.

As Ad Week has cited, Nielsen lists Anheuser-Busch as the top spending sponsor in the last five Super Bowls -- $149 million altogether. During regular-season games, A-B beers such as Budweiser and Bud Light are frequently featured in commercials.

According to Ad Week, A-B is halfway through its six-year, $1.2 billion deal with the NFL.