Child Abuse Trial Date Set For NFL Star Adrian Peterson
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY (CBS 11 NEWS) - NFL star running back Adrian Peterson can't escape all the reporters and photographers outside the Montgomery County courthouse.
When asked how he's feeling Peterson said, "Blessed."
His attorney, Rusty Hardin asked the judge to set a trial date as soon as possible, so Peterson can quickly clear his name once again play for the Minnesota Vikings.
A tentative date has been set for December 1st.
Hardin told reporters, "Let's don't rush to judgment. The hysteria we've had with this particular public figure it always happens the same way. At the end, there's a totally another side. We'll be asking people to listen to."
A grand jury indicted Peterson on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child.
He's accused of hitting his four year old son with a switch or small tree branch to discipline him earlier this year.
Peterson says he meant no harm, and has agreed to stay away from his son until the trial is over.
Hardin says, "This is a case about parenting decisions and whether something unfortunate happened when a parent's decision was made by a man who believes strongly and loves his children."
In a twist, the prosecutor asked Judge Kelly Case to recuse himself after accusing the judge of making unflattering remarks about him and Peterson's attorney.
Judge Case told the attorneys, "That was meant as a humorous joke and unfortunately, humor is taken the wrong way. I apologize to both of you, that's not how I feel about you."
If the judge recuses himself from the case, another judge will take over and may not start a trial December 1st.
Back on the street, Peterson attracted fans, even signed an autograph for Heather George, who doesn't want to pass judgment. "I wasn't raised that way, but I do know people who were raised that way. So it's haard for me to give him a strike against that."
If convicted, Peterson could face between six months to two years in state prison.
While he continues to receive his nearly $12 million salary, Peterson isn't allowed to take part in any team activities until the case is over.
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