CONROE, Texas — Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson avoided jail time Tuesday in a plea agreement reached with prosecutors to resolve his child abuse case.
Peterson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault under the deal that Montgomery County state District Judge Kelly Case approved during a court hearing. A no contest plea isn’t an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing.
The All-Pro running back was indicted in September on a felony charge of injury to a child for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son earlier this year in suburban Houston.
Outside the courthouse after accepting the plea deal, Peterson told reporters that he regretted what happened with his son.
“I stand here and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said. “I love my son more than anyone of you could even imagine and I’m anxious to continue my relationship with my child.
“I’m just glad this is over. I can put this behind me, and me and my family can continue to move forward.”
Peterson has been on paid leave from the Vikings under a special exemption from the NFL commissioner to take care of his legal problems. It was not immediately clear how the plea deal would affect his playing status.
“We will review the matter, including the court record, and then make a determination on his status,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. “We cannot provide a timetable.”
Peterson had tentatively been set to go on trial Dec. 1. If convicted of felony child abuse, he could have faced up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Instead, he received what is essentially probation, was fined $4,000 and must complete parenting classes and perform 80 hours of community service.
Photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images
