Adrian Peterson Child Abuse Case: Minnesota Vikings Running Back To Plead Not Guilty
Adrian Peterson will make his first court appearance on Wednesday and reports indicated that the Minnesota Vikings running back will enter a "not guilty" plea on the child abuse charges against him.
Mary Flood, the spokesperson of Peterson's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said in a statement that they will not consider pleading guilty in order to improve the veteran RB's chances of returning to the Vikings this season.
Once Peterson pleads not guilty to the child abuse charges against him, the 29-year-old, who was accused of child abuse after allegedly using a switch to discipline his son earlier this year, will likely miss the entire 2014 NFL season unless he gets a quick trial date.
"It will very definitely be not guilty," Flood wrote in email sent to ESPN. "We hope that a trial date is also discussed but don't yet know how the court's docket is looking."
According to Montgomery County first assistant DA Phil Grant, it could take nine to 12 months before trial begins for cases such as Peterson's, but Flood is still hoping that they could secure a quick trial date.
"I hope we learn more tomorrow," Flood said on Tuesday. "But it's possible that we won't get a date tomorrow and we'll just get the beginnings of discussions about a date."
The Vikings put Peterson on the league's exempt and commissioner's permission list. The eight-year veteran is still receiving salary from his $11.75 million contract this season, but he is not allowed to participate in all team activities.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, whose team started the season with a 2-3 record, sounded like he is not expecting Peterson to play again this season.
"I don't know that that's not going to happen in 2014," Zimmer said. "Honestly, I want the best for Adrian, number one. Okay? But I also have to coach the guys that are here and go forward. If things get resolved and it's a good thing, then the more power to him. We will worry about that when the time comes."
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