Breaking: NFL’s Adrian Peterson To Cut Extremely Generous Deal On Child Abuse Charges

Adrian Peterson reportedly will cut a deal that requires a tiny fine and zero jail time in a child abuse case that divided the nation.

If prosecutors were looking to send a strong message to parents and guardians about child abuse, they just did. But sadly, it’s the wrong message.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was the focus on several weeks of news reports that struck up a national conversation on child-rearing, the rights of children, and child abuse – a horrific and all-too regular event in the lives of millions of children across the nation.

Peterson was accused of child abuse – the medical examiner used the word “extreme ” and labeled the act “child abuse,” and was indicted by a grand jury in September on charges related to his admitted use of a “switch” to “whoop” his four-year old son.

“The police report on the case includes photos of cuts on the boy’s thigh and hands. He also had bruises on his lower back and buttocks, and according to the report,” TMZ reported, adding, “Peterson admitted punishing him.”

Police released photos, which can be seen here, detailing some of the cuts.

“The beating allegedly resulted in numerous injuries to the child, including cuts and bruises to the child’s back, buttocks, ankles, legs and scrotum, along with defensive wounds to the child’s hands,” CBS Houston reported at the time. “Peterson then texted the boy’s mother, saying that one wound in particular would make her ‘mad at me about his leg. I got kinda good wit the tail end of the switch.'”

Shortly thereafter, Peterson told CBS News that he would never “eliminate whooping my kids . . . because I know how being spanked has helped me in my life.”

When Peterson was asked how he felt about the incident, he said, “To be honest with you, I feel very confident with my actions because I know my intent.” He also described the incident as a “normal whooping” in regards to the “welps” on the child’s buttocks, but that he felt bad immediately when he saw the injuries on the child’s legs. Peterson estimated he “swatted” his son “10 to 15” times, but he’s not sure because he doesn’t “ever count how many pops I give my kids.”

Peterson went on to reiterate again how much he loves all his kids, and only “whoops” them because he wants them to do right. Toward the end of the interview, Peterson said he would reconsider using switches in the future, but said he would never “eliminate whooping my kids . . . because I know how being spanked has helped me in my life.”

But just now, NBC Sports’ Mike Florio has reported stunning news.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will reach an agreement today to resolve the case.

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.

So, bottom line: He pleads “no contest,” meaning he admits no guilt, he pays a tiny fine, there will be no mention of child abuse, family violence, domestic violence, or violence against a minor on his record. 

Peterson was named by Forbes as “the highest-paid running back in the league” just a few years ago. It lists his salary as $20.5 million with an additional $1 million in endorsements.

 

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