Adrian Peterson is going to fight charges that he abused his four-year-old son, even if the fight means he won’t play another down of football in 2014.
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Per the Pioneer-Press, Peterson plans to plead not guilty Wednesday when he is arraigned in a Houston, Texas courtroom on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child.
No surprise. Flak for Rusty Hardin says Adrian Peterson will plead not guilty@ Wed arraignment to felony child abuse charge in TX: #Vikings
— Brian Murphy (@murphmedia_) October 7, 2014
Peterson’s lawyer Rusty Hardin has previously indicated that his client will not seek to work out a plea deal in the case.
The Vikings have put Peterson on the exempt/Commissioner’s permission list for the duration of his legal fight. Peterson is not expected to get a trial at least until next year, despite efforts to expedite the process.
So, Peterson’s choice to go to trial means he won’t be back in 2014. And that likely means he won’t be back in Vikings purple ever again.
Peterson’s once-clean image has taken several major hits in recent months. In addition to multiple accusations of child abuse, Peterson has been accused of misusing funds given to his charity foundation, and of engaging in reckless sexual behavior.
The Vikings are 1-3 this season with Adrian Peterson either inactive or on the exempt list. The one game they did win came after Peterson reportedly sent an inspirational text to the team that was read aloud before the game by coach Mike Zimmer.