NFL Star Peterson's Child Abuse Charges Shed Light On Discipline Debate
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — While the Minnesota Vikings reinstated six-time Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson to their roster, a TV station in Houston revealed a second case in which suggests the former MVP is being investigated for reportedly hurting his son while disciplining him.
Peterson was indicted during the NFL's opening week of the 2014 season, when it was revealed he had disciplined his 4-year-old son by smacking him with a tree branch. Peterson faces charges for the action after having been accused of causing injuries to his son.
On Monday, the TV station released a picture, reportedly showing injuries from a separate physical attempt to discipline his son for cursing.
Sources tell KHOU the boy was hurt when he hit his car seat.
Peterson's attorney, meanwhile, claims that the second allegation of another child abuse investigation is false, stating that the allegation is over a year old and resulted in authorities taking no action.
"I want everyone to understand how sorry I feel about the hurt I have brought to my child," Peterson said in a statement. "I have to live with the fact that when I disciplined my son the way I was disciplined as a child, I caused an injury that I never intended, or thought would happen."
The national attention of the abuse charges have brought further light to the debate over just where the line is drawn between child discipline and child abuse.
Licensed child therapist Beth Jakubanis shared her view, which focused more on Peterson's own childhood.
"What we have to look at is what parenting skills Mr. Peterson comes to parenting from," Jakubanis said. "Sometimes, parents just overstep. It's heartbreaking when we see that."
Licensed family therapist Dr. Sheri Meyers, meanwhile, says that, despite Peterson's upbringing, the actions are unacceptable.
"I don't think there's any excuses," Dr. Meyers said. "Even if you're raised that way, that is the perfect reason you shouldn't be doing that. This was beyond discipline, this was beyond spanking. This was abuse."
Peterson faces up to 2 years in prison if convicted.
