Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge, a lesser charge than the felony child abuse indictment he was given in September by a jury in Houston, Texas, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio:
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Peterson will plead no contest to one count of misdemeanor reckless assault. The plea will not include reference to family violence or violence against a minor.
If the agreement is accepted by Judge Kelly Case, Peterson will pay a $2,000 fine, be placed on probation, and perform 80 hours of community service. Technically, the adjudication of the case will be deferred for two years.
Florio contacted the league for details of any timetable for the determination of Peterson’s status to return to the field, as he has missed eight games, with the Vikings owning a 3-5 record in that time. But he did not get any clarity:
“We will review the court documents,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told PFT via email. “We cannot speculate on a timetable for a decision.”
We will continue to follow the story as updates come in.
Update 3:15 p.m.:
Adrian Peterson has gone to the courthouse and signed the plea deal, according to ESPN’s Michele Steele.
https://twitter.com/ESPNMichele/status/529725334099611648
https://twitter.com/ESPNMichele/status/529725973026308096
https://twitter.com/ESPNMichele/status/529726368620498948
https://twitter.com/ESPNMichele/status/529727001817776129
ESPN’s Keven Seifert reveals some of the details of the results of Peterson’s plea, and what it means for his immediate future in the NFL.
https://twitter.com/SeifertESPN/status/529727288846602240
https://twitter.com/SeifertESPN/status/529727505713082369
Update 8:25 p.m.:
The Minnesota Vikings have released a statement regarding the news surrounding Peterson today:
The Vikings are aware of today’s plea agreement involving Adrian Peterson. We will have further comment at the appropriate time.
Update Thursday, November 6, 8:20 p.m.- NFLPA Statement:
Our union worked with the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian’s representatives on a mutual agreement pending the adjudication of his legal case. Now that his legal matter is resolved, we believe it is Adrian’s right to be treated in a manner that is consistent with similar cases under our collective bargaining agreement. We will pursue any and all remedies if those rights are breached.
