Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has reportedly reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in Texas that will bring an end to his child abuse case, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. The question now becomes how long it will be until he's allowed to return to an NFL playing field.
Adrian Peterson will plead no contest to misdemeanor charge, per report
If Adrian Peterson’s plea is accepted, he faces a $2,000 fine, probation and 80 hours of community service.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Peterson will plead no contest to one count of misdemeanor reckless assault. If the plea is accepted, Peterson will be placed on probation, pay a $2,000 fine and be forced to perform 80 hours of community service. Peterson was indicted on a felony charge of reckless or negligent injury to a child in September.
There’s been no word yet on how Peterson’s agreement may affect his playing status for the 2014 season. His first obstacle would be getting cleared by the Vikings -- a not-so-simple decision after the franchise was heavily criticized for bungling his initial suspension. If the team does clear him, Peterson would then need to be removed from the commissioner’s exempt list by Roger Goodell.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday that a plea deal would not mean an immediate reinstatement from the league. ESPN's Adam Schefter called the case "unprecedented" and although the NFL hasn't seemed inclined to remove Peterson from the exempt list, that could change if Peterson reaches a plea agreement.
Peterson has not played since Week 1 but has continued to receive pay. His $86.28 million contract runs through 2017.
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