Adrian Peterson expected to play Sunday despite child abuse charges

EDEN PRAIRE, MN -- Minneosta Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will fully participate in practice this week and is expected to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, despite charges of hurting a child with criminal negligence.

Peterson, accused of using a switch to discipline his son, was not in the lineup Sunday.

The following statement was released by the Vikings Owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf Monday:

Today’s decision was made after significant thought, discussion and consideration. As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday’s game, this is clearly a very important issue. On Friday, we felt it was in the best interests of the organization to step back, evaluate the situation, and not rush to judgment given the seriousness of this matter. At that time, we made the decision that we felt was best for the Vikings and all parties involved.

To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child. At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action. This is a difficult path to navigate, and our focus is on doing the right thing. Currently we believe we are at a juncture where the most appropriate next step is to allow the judicial process to move forward.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support Adrian’s fulfillment of his legal responsibilities throughout this process.

Peterson turned himself in to authorities early Saturday in east Texas, CNN reported. Shortly after turning himself in for hurting a child with criminal negligence or recklessly, Peterson posted $15,000 bail.



According to Texas law, a person can be convicted of injury to a child if they are proven to have caused bodily or mental injury "intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence" or causing such harm by omission. The crime is punishable by up to two years in a state jail and a $1,000 fine.

In Texas, someone can defend himself against a charge of injury to a child if they can prove it happened while they were administering "reasonable discipline."

News of his indictment casts another shadow over the NFL, which is reeling from the fallout over its reaction to recent domestic violence incidents, including then-Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice allegedly punching his then-fiancee Janay Palmer in a casino elevator. (The two are now married.)

For more on the Peterson story, click here.

CNN reports contributed to this story.