Peterson: I truly regret this incident – I take full responsibility pic.twitter.com/LNLieLM4F3
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) November 4, 2014
Adrian Peterson on Tuesday agreed to a plea bargain, pleading no contest to a Class A misdemeanor of reckless assault. It’s a reduced penalty compared to the original felony child abuse charge issued to him by a grand jury in Montgomery County, Texas.
Judge Kelly Case accepted Peterson’s plea and fined the Minnesota Vikings’ star running back $4,000, the cost of court, along with 80 hours of community service and probation. Half of Peterson’s community service will be served through a public service announcement.
Peterson pleads no contest. Judge accepts the offer. "Not going to find you guilty," Judge says.
— Brian Hall (@MNBrianHall) November 4, 2014
In taking the lesser offense, Peterson waived his right to a jury trial.
"I'm just glad this is over. I can put this behind me and me and my family can begin to move forward"
Adrian Peterson pic.twitter.com/2se0FWmGCg— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 4, 2014
Peterson, according to ESPN’s Michele Steele, entered the courtroom with his wife, parents and attorney, Rusty Hardin. Peterson was then taken to another room, possibly to take a drug test, as speculated by the Star Tribune’s Rochelle Olson.
Adrian Peterson has left the courtroom with his lawyer — possibly for a urine test.
— Rochelle Olson (@rochelleolson) November 4, 2014
Peterson was indicted Sept. 12 for reckless or negligent injury to a child in Montgomery County, Texas. He pleaded not guilty to the charge, although he admitted to punishing his 4-year-old son by hitting him with a thin, flexible tree branch, also known as a “switch.”
The question now is if/when the NFL will reinstate Peterson, who hasn’t played since Week 1 of the regular season and remains on paid leave from the team.
In an email to Pro Football Talk, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said a decision on whether Peterson can resume playing won’t be made until court documents are reviewed.
“We will review the court documents,” Aiello’s email said. “We cannot speculate on a timetable for a decision.”
On Monday, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that a plea deal wouldn’t necessarily pave the way to Peterson playing football right away.
If Adrian Peterson agrees to a plea deal Tuesday, do not expect him to be immediately reinstated & active. Maybe in time. Not immediately.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2014
Now the NFL and Vikings are on the clock. What, if any, terms must Peterson meet to be reinstated from Commissioner exempt list?
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 4, 2014
The Vikings have won two consecutive games entering this week’s open date. With a record of four wins and five losses, they remain within striking distance of the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (6-2) and second place Green Bay Packers (5-3). Minnesota’s next game is Nov. 16 at the Chicago Bears (3-5).
Adrian Peterson fined $4K by court. He was paid by Vikings $4,114 PER HOUR while on paid leave.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 4, 2014
