NFL: Adrian Peterson avoids jail term after plea deal in child abuse case
Tuesday 11 November 2014 17:26, UK
Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson has avoided jail by agreeing to a plea deal with Texas prosecutors that will see him put on probation, fined, and do community service after pleading no contest to a misdemeanour reckless assault charge regarding his son.
Peterson’s charges relate to him using a stick to discipline his four-year-old son, but he has avoided any jail time and instead will pay a $4,000 fine and serve 80 hours of community service.
It is not yet clear whether the conclusion of his legal issues will affect his playing status in the NFL – he’s been on paid leave under exemption from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell while the court process was ongoing.
He may or may not yet face a six-game ban without pay as is now the case for any player found guilty of domestic violence.
"I'm sorry for my actions," Peterson said outside court. "I love my son more than any one of you can even imagine. I'm looking forward to 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."
The former MVP’s case has been a major talking point in America, he’s already missed eight games but now the NFL has to judge whether he should be allowed back onto the field immediately or serve out further punishment.
"We will review the matter, including the court record, and then make a determination on his status," said NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy.
Goodell’s next move on this case will come under intense scrutiny after cases involving Ray Rice and Greg Hardy brought about a host of criticism and put the league under the spotlight.
The league at least has a week to mull it over as the Vikings are on a bye and are not back in action until November 16, when theoretically he could make a return to action unless Goodell steps in before then.
