Vikings' Adrian Peterson avoids jail in plea agreement

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson pleaded no contest in a Texas courtroom on Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault in connection with the disciplining of his 4-year-old son in May.

The plea deal means Peterson won't have to serve jail time. He faced up to 2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted. The agreement was approved by Montgomery County state District Judge Kelly Case during a scheduled court hearing.

Peterson was indicted in September on a felony charge of injury to a child for using a wooden switch on his son in Montgomery County, Texas.

Peterson's child suffered cuts, marks and bruising to his thigh, back and genitals, according to court records.

"I truly regret this incident," Peterson said shortly after his plea deal was announced. "I take full responsibility for my actions. I love my son more than anyone 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 move forward."

It is uncertain whether the 29-year-old Peterson, who is on indefinite paid leave from the Vikings, will be permitted to rejoin the NFL team.

SEE PHOTOSAdrian Peterson

"We will review the court documents," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "We cannot speculate on a timetable for a decision."

Peterson turned himself in to authorities on Sept. 14, the day after TMZ Sports reported that the running back had beaten his child with a switch. He posted $15,000 bail and was released. The Vikings deactivated Peterson for their Week 2 game against the New England Patriots, but reinstated him for the next game against the New Orleans Saints. After being heavily criticized for that decision, the team put Peterson on the rarely used "commissioner's list," placing him on paid leave for an indefinite period. He has not played since.

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman declined to comment on Peterson at his midseason news briefing yesterday.

Asked about Peterson on Monday, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said he considers Peterson to be "top-notch, first-class." The team is on its bye week and does not play until Nov. 16 against the Chicago Bears.

Vikings players said they would welcome Peterson back.

"We all know the kind of person he is," tight end Kyle Rudolph said. "We've stood behind him this whole time. You'd be crazy not to welcome him back into that locker room. It would be a big pickup for this locker room, being we have so many young guys. Any time you can have a veteran back in that locker room, the leader that he is in the locker room, out on the practice field, would be huge for us."

Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said Peterson "is a guy that everyone loves around here in that locker room. If he does come back, I'm pretty sure everyone will still take him in with welcoming arms."

With AP

By Bob Glauber

Special to NewsdayBobGlauber

Bob Glauber retired in 2022 after covering the NFL for nearly 40 years. He was selected in 2021 for the Bill Nunn Career Achievement Award by the Pro Football Writers of America, and is a three-time winner of the New York State Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. President of the PFWA for the 2018-20 seasons, he is the author of “The Forgotten First” and “Guts and Genius.”