by Danny Johnson 11/6/2014
Adrian Peterson, six time pro bowl running back of the Minnesota Vikings pleads no contest to misdemeanor child abuse on his 4-year-old son. Peterson pled down from his original grand jury indictment reckless or negligent injury of a child.
With his plea bargain Peterson will pay a $4,000 fine, and be put probation with an additional 80 hours of community service. Without the plea, the original charges could have result in a maximum two-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. The NFL has not yet decided whether Peterson can return to the Vikings and play this season.
Prior to the plea agreement, the NFL placed Peterson on the Commissioner’s Exempt List which deactivates Peterson from the Vikings roster. In the meantime, the Vikings must pay him as if he was playing. It is unclear if Commissioner Goodell will revoke his exempt status.
Peterson potentially can play this season if Commissioner Goodell uses Peterson’s time on the exempt list as time served. However, without any comments from league officials his return is still highly questionable.
The NFL in recent memory has developed an image issue, with many high-profile names in the news for off-the-field misconduct. Commissioner Goodell now has a second highly publicized decision in the works with Ray Rice’s filing grievance the Baltimore Ravens for wrongful termination of his contract.
Vikings fans do not necessarily need to see Peterson back in uniform with both Jerick Mckinnon and Matt Asiata playing well for the Vikings. A return from the former MVP would add a boost to the 4-5 team.