NFL running back Adrian Peterson has reached a plea deal in his child abuse case and will avoid jail time. His future with the league and the Minnesota Vikings is still unknown, though.
Peterson was indicted in September for using a wooden switch on his 4-year-old son in Houston, causing cuts and bruises on the child. According to ESPN, if he had been convicted, he would have faced up to two years in prison, plus a $10,000 fine.
Instead, by agreeing to plead guilty, he will only have to do 80 hours of community service and pay a $4,000 fine. TMZ reports that he will also be on probation and will face random drug tests.
Peterson, who previously said that he did not intent to hurt his son and was just practicing the same discipline he faced growing up in Texas, took complete responsibility for the incident after the hearing.
“I truly regret the incident,” Peterson said, reports The Houston Chronicle. “I take full responsibility for my action. I love my son more than any of you know. I am anxious to be back with him. I'm glad this is over and I can put it behind me."
It is not clear what this means for Peterson’s future in the league. They issued a short statement that read, “We will review the matter and make a determination. We cannot provide a timetable.”
He has been on the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission List since Sept. 17, with the Vikings paying his salary in the meantime. He could face further discipline from the NFL and only NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell can decide if Peterson can be reinstated.
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