Adrian Peterson child abuse trial tentatively set for Dec. 1

CONROE, Texas - Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson did not enter a plea in his first appearance in a Texas court since being indicted last month on a felony child abuse charge.

The All-Pro NFL running back has said he never intended to harm his 4-year-old son by spanking him with a wooden switch earlier this year. His attorney said he plans to plead not guilty.

The case is tentatively scheduled to go to trial Dec. 1.

As a condition of his bond, Peterson is to have no contact with his son. Attorney Hardin asked for a trial date the week before Thanksgiving, as Peterson was put on leave by the NFL and will not be able to work until the case is decided.

Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon said Wednesday that he planned to file a motion asking Judge Kelly Case to recuse himself after Case called the attorneys in the case "media whores."

Judge Case said he meant no offense and used the term in jest. Peterson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, told the judge he had "been called worse." A hearing was set for Nov. 4 to determine whether a new judge will be assigned.

If convicted of injury to a child, Peterson faces up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.