MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The NFL has formally begun a review of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson’s case, for potential punishment under the league’s personal conduct policy.
Spokesman Brian McCarthy said Peterson was told by the NFL on Thursday that his status on paid leave from the Vikings will not change until completion of the process.
That means Peterson’s return could take a while. He pleaded no contest in Texas on Tuesday to misdemeanor reckless assault, down from a felony charge of child abuse for disciplining his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.
The league said it requested that Peterson submit relevant information from his case and meet with designated experts who will make recommendations for Commissioner Roger Goodell’s consideration. He’ll have the opportunity for a hearing before any punishment is levied.
Previously…
CONROE, Texas (AP) – Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson will avoid jail time after reaching a plea agreement in his child abuse case.
A judge agreed to the plea deal during a hearing Tuesday in Conroe, 40 miles north of Houston.
Peterson was indicted in September for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son earlier this year in suburban Houston. The All-Pro running back was charged with felony injury to a child and had faced up to two years in prison if convicted.
Under the agreement, Peterson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault.
Peterson says he never intended to harm his son and was disciplining him in the same way he had been as a child growing up in East Texas.
Now the question is whether he will rejoin the Vikings this season. He has been on paid leave, via a special roster exemption issued by the NFL.
General manager Rick Spielman said prior to Peterson’s court hearing the Vikings would not comment “until it’s appropriate to speak.” After the plea agreement was reached, league spokesman Brian McCarthy said there was no timetable for the determination of Peterson’s status.
