The Slatest

Adrian Peterson to Plead in Child Abuse Case, Will Avoid Jail

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Peterson after an October court appearance.

Scott Halleran/Getty

The website Pro Football Talk reports that NFL running back Adrian Peterson will plead no contest to a misdemeanor in his Texas child abuse case, avoiding jail time:

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Peterson will plead no contest to one count of misdemeanor reckless assault.  The plea will not include reference to family violence or violence against a minor.

If the agreement is accepted by Judge Kelly Case, Peterson will pay a $2,000 fine, be placed on probation, and perform 80 hours of community service.  Technically, the adjudication of the case will be deferred for two years.

Peterson was indicted in September on a felony charge of causing injury to a child after allegedly beating his 4-year-old son with a tree branch in May.

NFL.com writer Ian Rapoport said Monday on Twitter that Peterson, who has missed eight games due to suspension as the case against him has proceded, would not be immediately reinstated and allowed to play if he were to make a plea. The NFL this morning declined to announce a timetable for a decision on Peterson’s status.