Adrian Peterson’s attorney Rusty Hardin is asking the public withhold judgement on the Vikings running back’s legal situation until all of the information on the case has come out in court.
Peterson was placed on the exemption list by the Vikings early Wednesday. Not only will Peterson not play on Sunday, but Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said the star running back will remain on the list until Peterson’s legal issues are resolved.
Peterson was charged with reckless or negligent injury to a child last week in Texas, stemming from an incident in May when Peterson claims to have used a switch on his son to discipline him.
In the statement, Hardin says Peterson wants to get back to work.
“Adrian wants to continue his work in the NFL and contribute to his team and community. In order to do so, he is prepared to resolve this matter in the appropriate legal forum rather than in the court of public opinion. I have spent my entire career asking people to wait until all the facts are in, and I’m doing so again today. Ultimately, it will be up to a judge and jury to decide this case, which is the way it should be. Ours is the greatest legal system in the world, and Adrian is confident that a just result will emerge once all the facts are presented.”
#Vikings "@rochelleolson: Adrian Peterson's lawyer Rusty Hardin says there have been no plea discussions. Still expects a trial next year.
— Master (@MasterTes) September 17, 2014
Some of Peterson’s teammates also continued to express their support for Peterson.
In a locker room full of scripted answers, Munnerlyn let loose. Said Adrian is a great father. Said he was disciplined same way as a kid.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) September 17, 2014
“I don’t think it’s fair at all,” said Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. “I think he should be able to play, he hasn’t been convicted of nothing.”
Munnerlyn told reporters that he didn’t have a problem with the way Peterson disciplined his son; in fact the Vikings cornerback said he was disciplined the same way as a child.
Here is a video of Munnerlyn’s comments to reporters from KSTP.
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Munnerlyn was the most outspoken of Peterson’s teammates, but others also were disappointed with the news.
Felton: "It's stressful. … Very unfortunate situation. Disappointing. … He's our best player." Zimmer has addressed team already about.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) September 17, 2014
Everson Griffen on Peterson: "It hurts. We all want the guy to play." #Vikings
— Master (@MasterTes) September 17, 2014
