Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson arrives at the courthouse for an appearance Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in Conroe, Texas.CONROE, Texas – Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson avoided jail time on Tuesday in a plea agreement reached with prosecutors to resolve his child abuse case.
Peterson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault under the deal that Montgomery County state District Judge Kelly Case approved during a court hearing. A no contest plea isn’t an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing.
The All-Pro running back was indicted in September on a felony charge of injury to a child for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son earlier this year in suburban Houston. The case revived a debate about corporal punishment, which is on the decline in the U.S. but still widely practiced in homes and schools.
Outside the courthouse after accepting the plea deal, Peterson told reporters that he regretted what happened with his son.
“I stand here and I take full responsibility for my actions. I love my son more than anyone of you could even imagine and I’m anxious to continue my relationship with my child,” he said. “I’m just glad this is over. I can put this behind me, and me and my family can continue to move forward.”