Adrian Peterson Indicted On Child Abuse Charges

TMZ is reporting that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been indicted on child abuse charges.

The alleged victim is Peterson’s 4-year-old son from Minnesota, who visited Peterson’s home in Texas back in May. Reports indicate that when the young man returned home from Texas, his mother noticed marks on his body and took him to a doctor.

Shortly after the visit to the doctor, child protection services in Texas were notified and that’s when the investigation began.

According to FOX 26, AP was indicted on reckless or negligent injury to a child. TMZ notes that Peterson did NOT practice with the team on Thursday, but the Vikings say it was simply “Veterans Day,” which means older players had the day off. AP did however practice today with his team.

Last October, Peterson’s 2-year-old son died in South Dakota after allegedly being assaulted by his mother’s boyfriend. The man who beat Peterson’s son has been charged with murder and manslaughter.

We will continue to follow this developing story, but this is just another sore eye for the NFL. It’s safe to say that this hasn’t been the best week for those in the front office of the National Football League.

UPDATE: Sports Radio 610 in Houston has obtained a draft of the police report that included photos of the child’s injuries.

Peterson has also released a statement through his lawyer.

“The charged conduct involves using a switch to spank his son.”

“This indictment follows Adrian’s full cooperation with authorities who have been looking into this matter. Adrian is a loving father who used his judgement as a parent to discipline his son.”

“He used the same kind of discipline with his child that he experienced as a child growing up in East Texas. Adrian has never hidden from what happened.”

“He has cooperated fully with authorities and voluntarily testified before the grand jury for several hours.”

“Adrian will address the charges with the same respect and responsiveness he has brought to this inquiry from its beginning. It is important to remember that Adrian never intended to harm his son and deeply regrets the unintentional injury.”

Peterson has been deactivated by the Vikings for Sunday’s game.

Story developing…

[via TMZ/CBS Minnesota]