NFL: Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson charged with child abuse

Minnesota have dropped star running back Adrian Peterson after he was charged with child abuse by a court in Texas.

The former NFL MVP has been accused of using a branch to hit one of his sons, and Montgomery County officials issued a warrant for his arrest.

Peterson turned himself in to authorites in Houston and was taken to Montgomery County Jail for questioning before being released on bail.

The Vikings ace will play no part in Sunday's clash with New England, and Peterson's lawyer insists he has cooperated fully with authorities, and that "he never intended to harm his son".

His attorney, Rusty Hardin, said: "Adrian is a loving father who used his judgment 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 suffered personal tragedy last season when his two-year-old son died in a South Dakota hospital after being beaten by his mother's boyfriend, who will go on trial next month charged with second-degree murder.

The allegations against Peterson surfaced during a turbulent week for the NFL, who have suspended Baltimore running back Ray Rice indefinitely.

Rice was caught on a security camera punching his then-fiancee in the face in an elevator at an Atlantic City casino, although he was initially suspended for only two games.

But after a full recording of the incident was released, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell extended the ban and the Ravens immediately terminated Rice's contract.

An independent investigation headed by former FBI director Robert Mueller has been convened to look into the handling of the Rice situation.