Son of NFL's Adrian Peterson in critical condition after alleged beating by mother's boyfriend in S.D., reports say
Updated 2:38 p.m. EST
(CBS) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is in critical condition after allegedly being beaten by the man his mother was dating, according to multiple news reports.
Peterson's father confirmed to the Pioneer Press Friday morning that the NFL star's son remains in critical condition at a South Dakota hospital. He would not comment further except to say the child is not Adrian Peterson, Jr., but is another son.
"All I can say is, we are asking for prayers and for respect for our family as we deal with this tragic situation," Nelson Peterson told the paper.
The Vikings said Thursday that Adrian Peterson had been excused from practice to deal with a personal matter. He left to be with his child in South Dakota, but returned to the team facility Friday.
Multiple media outlets have linked the arrest of Joseph Patterson, 27, in Sioux Falls, S.D. to the incident. Patterson, 27, is facing charges of aggravated felony assault and battery of an infant, reports CBS affiliate KELO. His bail was set at $750,000.
According to the station, police responded to an apartment building in Sioux Falls Wednesday and found a 2-year-old child unresponsive.
The child was transported to a hospital where doctors reportedly found his injuries to be consistent with abuse.
Authorities say Patterson, who is the boyfriend of the child's mother, was alone with the child when the injuries were sustained, according to KELO.
Police would not confirm the identity of the child's parents.
Lincoln County State's Attorney Tom Wollman says Patterson has a criminal history and could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted of the charges.
Court documents reveal the 27-year-old has been arrested multiple times on various charges. He was arrested in 2004 for violating a protection order, but that charge was later dropped by the prosecutor. A 2012 arrest for aggravated assault was also dismissed by a prosecutor. Patterson served time in jail for eluding officers in 2010. He was also sentenced to five days in jail after pleading guilty to simple assault last year, according to KELO.
Peterson addressed the media after practice Friday and thanked everyone for their support. He said he is dealing with the situation privately and that he plans on playing in Sunday's football game.