Mother of boy abused by Peterson supports plea deal

ASSOCIATED PRESS

10 years ago

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, center, and his attorney Rusty Hardin, left, speak to the media after pleading no contest to an assault charge Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in Conroe, Texas. Adrian Peterson avoided jail time on Tuesday in a plea agreement reached with prosecutors to resolve his child abuse case. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

MINNEAPOLIS — The mother of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson’s son said Wednesday she supports a plea deal that gave Peterson probation on a charge of abusing the boy.

She also hopes the NFL doesn’t impose any additional punishment.

Peterson acknowledged using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son earlier this year. He pleaded no contest on Tuesday in Conroe, Texas to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault.

Peterson has been inactive since shortly after he was indicted in September and hasn’t played a game this season. Neither the Vikings nor the NFL has commented on his status in the wake of the plea deal.

The mother of Peterson’s son has remained anonymous and requested privacy. In a statement through her Minnesota attorney, Kelly Dohm, the woman repeated that she believes Peterson loves the boy and will remain involved throughout his life. The plea agreement allows Peterson to resume contact with the child.

The NFL said Tuesday it has no timetable for a decision on Peterson’s status. A league spokesman didn’t immediately respond to an email checking for an update.

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