Vikings' Adrian Peterson says sorry for hurting son, 4, in latest incident to test new NFL policy
A Minnesota Vikings running back who is being prosecuted in a child-abuse case in his home state of Texas publicly apologized via social media Monday for injuring his 4-year-old son with a “switch” cut from a tree, which reportedly left marks on the boy’s legs and body.
However, Adrian Peterson, 29, also denied that he had broken the law and credited similar discipline, which he said he experienced himself as a child in Texas, for “the success I have enjoyed as a man” and for saving him from being “one of those kids that was lost in the streets,” the Houston Chronicle reports.
Peterson said he had released the statement, which the Chronicle publishes in full, contrary to the advice of his attorney, high-profile Houston criminal defense lawyer Rusty Hardin.
Peterson was indicted in Montgomery County, where the punishment occurred, for injury to a child, KTRK says, and Hardin said in a statement that Peterson has been cooperating with authorities.
News of the criminal case against Peterson, which came in the wake of criticism of the way the National Football League handled a domestic violence matter involving now-former Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice, also followed an announcement by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell of a new domestic violence policy for players and personnel that requires a six-game suspension for such incidents.
It isn’t clear if the policy covers child abuse, or what the final result will be for Peterson as far as his NFL career is concerned. He sat out a game, but the team said he will practice this week and play Sunday, according to USA Today.
Meanwhile, Rice, who was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and released by the Ravens after video emerged of him decking his then-girlfriend in an Atlantic City casino elevator earlier this year, reportedly may be mulling an appeal and/or a lawsuit.
He and the NFL Players’ Association are planning to file a grievance over his indefinite suspension, according to the the Baltimore Sun and the New York Times (reg. req.), and the Sun says Rice also is considering litigation, with, as the Sun puts it, “all options remaining on the table,” over the loss of his $35 million contract. Both articles rely on unidentified sources.
