Hometown Stands Behind Peterson Against Child Abuse Allegations
PALESTINE (CBSDFW.COM) - Minnesota Vikings football player Adrian Peterson first impressed fans with his skills at Palestine High School. Many people in the area, including those who've known him well, are surprised to hear of recent child abuse allegations against him.
Palestine pastor Roy Duncan has known Adrian Peterson for nearly 20 years... long before he joined the Minnesota Vikings.
"I'm saddened by it, because I know it's a long road to recovery from all of this," said Pastor Duncan. "There's a genuineness about him."
Peterson faces a child abuse charge and is accused of hitting his four-year-old son with a tree branch, also known as a switch.
Pastor Duncan says he doesn't support abuse, but believes in disciplining children.
"The orientation for child discipline in this area does include some switches. It's worked effectively, and I don't think we're a community of abusers at all. I think we're a community who cares about children," explained Pastor Duncan.
Duncan doesn't believe Peterson meant to harm his son.
Jerry Mayo, the superintendent while Peterson played at Wildcat Stadium, agrees.
"For him to hurt a child, I think that's the last thing he would want to do, and I'm speaking from how I know him and what I know about him," said Former Superintendent Mayo.
Right before the Vikings drafted Peterson in 2007, the city of Palestine honored him at the school stadium. They declared June 2, 2007 Adrian Peterson Day, and called him the city's first official hometown hero.
Mayo said Peterson and his family give back to the community every year. "He hasn't forgotten his roots," said Mayo.
Peterson's fans in his hometown said they are behind him. They hope for the best for him and his family.
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