Developing: Adrian Peterson Suspended for Rest of NFL Season

It appears the 2014 season will be a total loss for Adrian Peterson.

Word is circulating that the Minnesota Vikings star running back has been told he will be suspended without pay for at least the remainder of this football season by the NFL.

Peterson has already missed 8 weeks while on the voluntary "Suspended With Pay Exemption" list after facing charges that he beat his 4-year old son with a switch.

He (Peterson), got a plea deal in that case and was not looking at any jail time. The NFL also told Peterson that any other violations of the "Personal Conduct Policy" could subject him to banishment from the NFL.

According to reports, if Peterson decides to appeal the decision, he will remain on the "Exempt" list during that time.

He has three days to decide whether to file that appeal.

UPDATED--

The NFLPA did not wait, going immediately on record stating they will file an appeal on Peterson's behalf.

Also--the NFL and the Jolly Roger himself sent a letter to Peterson stating several terms of his potential reinstatement, which would not happen before April of 2015.

Among them:

---Peterson will be enrolled in counseling and treatment programs assigned by the league

Also, he explained the reasoning behind the decision which included:

---The use of the switch, which in the eyes of the league constituted a weapon.
---Inflicting injury on a child
---And the lack of meaningful remorse over what happened.

This should all be dealt with, one way or the other by the end of this week. With the 3-day limit on the appeal, we would anticipate the appeal would be heard very quickly.

As for what the NFL will do, well, they've already made that obvious.

Reports: Adrian Peterson to Plead No Contest; Avoid Jail Time--UPDATED

((ht: profootballtalk.com))

Well, it appears that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is going to avoid jail time on his felony child abuse charges.

Pro Football Talk and other outlets are reporting that Peterson and his attorney Rusty Hardin have reached agreement with a Montgomery County, Texas court. The agreement will call for Peterson to plead no contest to a count of misdemeanor reckless assault pending judicial approval.

It (the plea) will include a reference to family violence and/or violence against a minor. If it is accepted by the Judge overseeing the case, Peterson will pay a $2,000 fine, be put on probation and required to serve 80 hours of community service.

And since it means Peterson won't go to jail, it puts the ball squarely in the court of the NFL and the Vikings. The star running back has already sat for 8 games. Would the NFL give him more time?

The rumble of this case has quieted considerably, the guess is Peterson will be reinstated.

The Vikings are off this upcoming week, which would be perfect for the team. Though rookies Matt Asiata and Jerrick McKinnon have filled in admirably.

More to come if or when things become official---

Update:

Things are official.

Judge Kelly Case accepted the agreed upon terms:

--Peterson't charge will be reckless assault

--He (the judge) won't adjudicate the case for two years

--Peterson pays a $4,000 fine

--Peterson puts in 80 hours of community service time...

After the hearing Tuesday afternoon, Peterson made a statement, telling the assembled massed; "I truly regret this incident. I take full responsibility for my actions. I love my son more than any one of you can imagine and I'm anxious to continue my relationship with my child"

NFL---Your serve...

--

AP May Be In Jail All Day... Again...

((HT: MyFoxHouston))

Montgomery County (TX) prosecutors have filed documents to have Adrian Peterson arrested again after he admitted to using drugs in violation of his bond condition.

Which really wasn't all that a smart idea...

Court records show while giving his urine sample during his court appearance earlier this week, Peterson admitted he had 'smoked a little weed' before the test.

As a result, the District Attorney's office has asked the judge in the case to set aside the $15,000 bond already forfeited in the case they're facing and have him arrested again.

Here's the motion by prosecutors to revoke the bond if you choose to view it

Rusty Hardin, Peterson's attorney, hasn't come forward to comment so far.

Which is news in and of itself...

DA Brett Ligon said he wants Judge Kelly Case recused after the she called each lead attorney in the case a "media whore."
Case apologized, saying the comment was meant as a joke. The remark was made after the attorneys wanted something along the lines of an expedited trial.

Hardin wanted something before Thanksgiving- which was denied. And it may be after the first of the year before the trial actually gets underway. It could be after Thanksgiving if the judge isn't bumped.

So, obviously, the timetable is still in play to get everyone into a courtroom...

Here's the story from the court where the judge misspoke...

And The Vikings Continue To Say Everything By Doing Nothing (UPDATED W/Reax)

((HT: KARE-TV))

Let's face it...

NFL owners only want to hide behind their underlings in cases of perpetual dumpster fires...

Like what's going on in Minnesota with the Vikings...

Early this morning, the team without a whole lot of fanfare, decided to put Adrian Peterson on something called the "exempt" list until his legal problems are taken care of in Texas.

This morning, local time, the Wilfs, GM Rick Spielman, and Vikings legal counsel Kevin Warren almost answered questions with the local media. Their mantra seemed to be "just wanting to move on" instead of answering about the lack of response and waffling when the team did respond to what was going on in Peterson's personal life.

Here's the presser in its entirety...
The HQ knows of three other cases involving Vikings players where the team took immediate disciplinary action- none of them were of the star power of Peterson- which speaks volumes to the lack of enforcement (and consistent enforcement). Zygi Wilf read a statement and took no questions... The HQ remains stunned... Immediately after the presser aired, Adam Schein went off (like most sports talk hosts around the country, the HQ is sure) on his "Schein on Sports" program on Mad Dog Sports Radio ((HT: SiriusXM/Mad Dog Sports Radio))

And, Now, AP Is "Exempt..." Until Further Notice

((HT: KMSP-TV))

Nothing like a middle of the night missive...

The Wilf's have decided to go against their previous team decision and now have placed Adrian Peterson on a Commissioner's Exempt List- which the HQ thinks only Michael Vick was on previously.

AP has been "asked," "encouraged," or whatever verb you can pick for this situation to stay away from all Vikings team activities until further notice- when his legal issues are taken care of through legal channels.

Here's the morning news- or the "middle of the night" news...


The Wilfs made the decision to avoid any kind of exposure in front of cameras until they could control the situation for their own benefit- translation: a press conference where they may or may not show up themselves and can have GM Rick Spielman defend an undefendable position.

A press conference is set for later this morning and we'll update you then...

Big Sponsors Now Voicing Displeasure Over Peterson's Status

((HT: MyFoxTwinCities/ESPN))

This is getting escalated quickly...

Big-name Minnesota Vikings sponsors and public figures are voicing their displeasure with the Adrian Peterson situation and the idea that Peterson will play this weekend against New Orleans. Radisson Hotels is suspending its sponsorship of the team and the governor is getting his two cents in.

Of course, it was the lead at 5:00
KMSP-TV

Here's Governor Dayton's statement in full:

"It is an awful situation. Yes, Mr. Peterson is entitled to due process and should be "innocent until proven guilty." However, he is a public figure; and his actions, as described, are a public embarrassment to the Vikings organization and the State of Minnesota. Whipping a child to the extent of visible wounds, as has been alleged, should not be tolerated in our state. Therefore, I believe the team should suspend Mr. Peterson, until the accusations of child abuse have been resolved by the criminal justice system. However, I will not turn my back on the Vikings and their fans, as some have suggested. The Vikings belong to Minnesota – and in Minnesota. This has been the team's only home; and our citizens, including myself, have been its most dedicated fans."

And KO is still on the forefront to keep 28 from playing for the near future- dropping another pipe bomb

Your Daily Keith Olbermann Rant On AP And The Vikes

((HT: ESPN/Olbermann))

This opening rant was so incisive that the network cut it in two...
Both parts are electric...


And the HQ reminds everyone that KO hasn't been this fired up since he was on Bush 43's daily messes...


He's on a roll and we'll keep posting as long as he is on fire...

DEVELOPING: Another Child Abuse Accusation Involving AP (UPDATE: Now Adding A Question Mark)

((HT: KHOU-TV))

And this doesn't look good...

Another four-year-old who Adrian Peterson has fathered with a different woman than the one currently involved in the Montgomery County, Texas abuse investigation has come forward to say that there may be another abuse case involving the star running back.

We're just going to turn it over to the folks in Houston to explain this one
Rusty Hardin is, apparently, out of the country and was searching for an extension in the court date scheduled for the initial arraignment. The HQ is thinking that he is going to want to combine both and push them back as far as humanly possible... Josina Anderson, through her Twitter feed, got an answer to that story from Rusty Hardin: The allegation of another investigation into Adrian Peterson is simply not true. This is not a new allegation, it's one that is unsubstantiated and was shopped around to authorities in two states over a year ago and nothing came of it. An adult witness adamantly insists Adrian did nothing inappropriate with his son. There is no ongoing or new investigation.

DEVELOPING: AP Expecting To Play Next Week (Updated w/Statement)

The Minnesota Vikings thought long and hard about it and it looks like they're waiting for that whole "due process" thing to take care of itself before trying to distance themselves from Adrian Peterson.

Here's their thoughts in entirety:

“Today’s decision was made after significant thought, discussion and consideration. As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday’s game, this is clearly a very important issue. On Friday, we felt it was in the best interests of the organization to step back, evaluate the situation, and not rush to judgment given the seriousness of this matter. At that time, we made the decision that we felt was best for the Vikings and all parties involved.

To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child. At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action. This is a difficult path to navigate, and our focus is on doing the right thing. Currently we believe we are at a juncture where the most appropriate next step is to allow the judicial process to move forward.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support Adrian’s fulfillment of his legal responsibilities throughout this process.”

Peterson himself released a statement which said in part:

"I want everyone to understand how sorry I feel about the hurt I caused my child". He also said; "I never imagined being in a position where the world is judging my parenting skills or calling me a child abuser because of the discipline I administered to my son."

Next up for Minnesota is New Orleans: a must-win for both teams, really...

Peterson is slated to make his first appearance in a Conroe, Texas courtroom on Wednesday. Though his attorney, Rusty Hardin is trying to get that delayed since he is out of the country.

Prosecutors are going to chase after the individual or individuals who leaked the photos and case documents. Montgomery County prosecutor Phil Grant says investigations of child abuse are confidential and a leak of information can get the guilty party up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Here's team coverage of Peterson's absence from MyFoxTwinCities
KMSP-TV

NFL's Worst Week Ever: ESPN's Cris Carter With Powerful Statement

((ht: espn.com))

Bravo to ESPN this Sunday morning. In the midst of the worst PR week in the history of the NFL, the 4-Letter showed and allowed their bevy of former players and analysts the opportunity to speak from the heart about the issues of the week.

And some of them made incredibly strong and powerful statements.

None more so than former Minnesota Vikings receiver and current NFL analyst Cris Carter who spoke about his upbringing and why hitting a child is wrong.

Carter spoke eloquently about the Adrian Peterson issue,  how times have changed and while most of us of a certain age were struck with a variety of things while children, the fact that it happened doesn't necessarily make it right.

He also spoke out about Ray Rice and the discipline issues that the NFL is failing to control.

NFL's Worst Week Ever: Finally The Panthers Deactivate Greg Hardy

In midst of perhaps the worst PR week in NFL history, one more event transpired on Sunday.

After catching flak from all sides, the Carolina Panthers deactivated star Defensive End Greg Hardy for their game against the Detroit Lions.

We and multiple other blogs and outlets have questioned why Hardy was still playing despite his conviction for domestic violence against his then girlfriend. Particularly in light of this past weeks situation with former Baltimore Raven Ray Rice.

Yet the Panthers took the spin "Let the legal system run its course".

Huh?

Yes, Hardy is appealing his conviction, but that never changed the fact HE WAS CONVICTED. And yes, his appeal will be heard by a jury instead of him pleading out to a judge.

But it changes nothing.

It's been a horrible week for the league between Rice, the Adrian Peterson situation and now this. Yet the Panthers never saw anything wrong with their decision.

To their credit, the Vikings upon receiving word of Peterson's indictment, deactivated him. Which was the proper response. That should have been a hint to the Panthers.

If Hardy wins his appeal, then yeah, sure, let him play. But until then, in light of unfolding events, how can you keep someone convicted of domestic violence on your roster.

That last sentence alone explains why the NFL is in the predicament it currently is.

Developing: Adrian Peterson Indicted on Injury to a Child Charge (Updates)

((ht: @JayGlazer))

Rut roh...

The Minnesota Vikings may be without their star Running Back on Sunday.

All-Pro Adrian Peterson appears be getting indicted on charges of Injuring a Child by a North Montgomery County, Texas Grand Jury.

Texas law enforcement handing down indictment today on Vikings RB Adrian Peterson on charges of injury to a ... http://t.co/pZ7CPYsBfb
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) September 12, 2014

FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer says Peterson will apparently have to turn himself in and may not be able to play this weekend for the Vikes.

It appears this is unrelated to the incident last year in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where the child he had with a woman he had no involvement with died, rather something that happened earlier this summer north of Houston.

More when we know more..

Here's a little more from NFL Network's Ian Rappaport:

Arrest of Adrian Peterson (reported by @MarkBermanFox26) stems from the disciplining of a son with a switch, source says. He’s been indicted
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2014

Photo of Injuries/Ctsy Houston Police Dept

It appears the son in question was 4-years old. However, there's still many details missing. Some reports say the child was a son visiting him from Minnesota back in May. The injuries weren't reported until after the kid came home.

All in all it sounds messy. At some point Peterson will need to appear in a court room and post bond. We don't know yet when that will be.

And the latest (6:05pm edt) from WCCO-TV in Minneapolis.

It appears the boy had multiple lacerations and visible injuries. He told his mother that he'd been hit with some sort of tree branch. That's when the legal proceeding appear to have begun..

Update--7:15pm: The Vikings have deactivated Peterson for their upcoming game.

DEVELOPING: AP's Son Dies

((HT: KARE-TV))

Joseph Robert Patterson has been charged with aggravated assault and aggravated assault on an infant in Lincoln County, South Dakota for allegedly harming a 2-year-old who was in his care. The 2-year-old has been identified as a child of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.

Peterson did address the media after practice Friday, but wouldn't go into any details as to what was going on in South Dakota. He had gone to Sioux Falls Thursday, returned to practice today, and said he would be playing Sunday.

From USA Today's reporting of the incident:

"As officers and first responders got there, they found child was unresponsive and he was taken to the hospital," Sioux Falls police spokesman Sam Clemens told the newspaper. "So they ended up calling police about that or letting them know. We had detectives talk to quite a few people to try to figure out what happened. What they ended up finding was that when the injuries happened there was one person with that child, and that person was Joseph Patterson."

"The injuries they found were head injuries," Clemens said. "It was obvious to medical staff that abuse had taken place and that those injuries weren't accidental."

Patterson is being held on a $750,000 cash bond.

Here's team coverage...

If Patterson is found guilty of the charges, the HQ is fairly certain that a lot of people would like to see him in a room with Peterson for a short time while the entire country's back is turned...

DEVELOPING: AP's Son In Critical Condition In South Dakota

((HT: KSTP-TV))

Here's what we KNOW...

The father of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson told the Twin Cities Pioneer Press newspaper that a two-year-old son of the Vikings running back has been injured. Local news reports have listed the boy as being in critical condition at a South Dakota hospital.

From the Jensen/Lindberg article:

"All I can say is, we are asking for prayers and for respect for our family as we deal with this tragic situation..."

According to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader newspaper, police arrested Joseph Robert Patterson Wednesday night on charges of aggravated assault and battery against an infant. Patterson called police early in the evening to report that the child was choking, and at the hospital when the child was examined, police determined the injuries were not consistent with that description.

Patterson also has a history of domestic violence. Two previous relationships in 2004 and 2011 ended either in protection orders or assault charges against him...

Adrian Peterson left Vikings practice yesterday to go to South Dakota for "an undisclosed personal matter." He was back at practice on Friday, and there is no word on whether the Vikings or Peterson will address the matter after practice...

Here's the breaker from KSTP

Adrian Peterson+ Helmet Cam= Comedy Gold

((HT: Ryan Swanson/The Score))

A lot of folks don't get the chance to see what goes on inside the ropes at NFL training camps...

AP gave everyone the chance with a helmet cam...


So, yes, the microphone did actually work...

Adrian Peterson's charges dropped like "Hot Potato"

((profootballtalk.com))

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had been facing charges of "Resisting Arrest" in an Houston, TX bar incident back in July. Peterson eventually was released after posting a $1000 bond.

Details of that incident are RIGHT HERE

We didn't report on this at the time because it sounded awfully fishy. And while not saying exactly that it was, Peterson got his charges dropped today.

And dropped in a hurry.

According to a report in ProFootballTalk.com, Peterson's lawyer Rusty Hardin (yes, that guy) came up with a plan to have Peterson's case heard in front of a Grand Jury before it went to court.

It worked.

Peterson and the two police officers involved along with an employee of the club involved testified. Five minutes after Peterson's 25 minute testimony, the Grand Jury said "Charges Dropped".

We suspect nobody is getting an apology here, but we wonder what happened in the first place. Did the officers over react? Did they exaggerate what happened? Did Peterson really push them?

We will not know the answer...at least until the testimony goes public, but it cleans Peterson's record and probably it should. The whole thing sounded weird from the get go. |f what the report says is true, then hopefully the whole thing will go away, never to be mentioned again.

AP Out For Season After Double Knee Injury

((HT: WCCO-TV))

Just when you thought the Minnesota Vikings season couldn't get any worse, it did...

Christian Ponder had to give way for Joe Webb after suffering "concussion-like symptoms." Webb, by the way, QB'ed the team for the win over the Redskins.

And, then, Adrian Peterson blew out both an ACL and an MCL in the injury below...


The Vikes are now 3-12 and could tie the 1984 team record for lack of winning if they don't come through next week.