Adrian Peterson on Tuesday resolved his legal issues by pleading no contest to a misdemanor charge of assault.
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But does this mean Peterson is on the fast track back to the football field, or does the running back still have a few hurdles to clear?
In a Houston, TX courtroom, Peterson entered his no contest plea and received as punishment a $4000 fine, 2 years probation and 80 hours of community service.
In a statement outside the court house Peterson said (via USA Today):
"“I truly regret this incident,” Peterson said outside the courthouse. “I stand here and take full responsibility for my actions. I love my son more than any one of you could even imagine. I am looking forward to and I am anxious to continue my relationship with my child.“I am just glad this is over. I can put this behind me and me and my family can begin to move forward.”"
Per the terms of the deal, no mention will be made on the record of child or family abuse. Peterson had originally been charged with reckless or negligent injury to a child after reportedly whipping his 4-year-old son with a switch.
With Peterson’s case resolved, the way is now cleared for the Vikings to remove Peterson from the exempt list and restore him to the active roster.
The NFL may choose to step in and hang further discipline on Peterson, but as of now no timetable has been provided for the league to make a decision.
If the league decides that Peterson’s paid 8 week non-suspension is enough punishment, the running back will be free to return to the Vikings for the Bears game in two weeks.
How quickly will these last decisions be made? We should know something in the next few days.