Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was apparently investigated for child abuse involving another one of his children.
#KHOU #ITEAM Adrian Peterson investigated for another abuse accusation involving another one of his sons. More at 6! pic.twitter.com/dH4tad2ovk
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) September 15, 2014
As much as Peterson might want us to believe that his arrest Saturday morning on child abuse charges was an isolated incident, this reported story could very well throw all that out the window.
These allegations (if true) potentially change the entire dynamic of the Minnesota Vikings reinstating the running back from the inactive list on Monday. They could also play a role in both the public backlash the team may receive by playing him next week and the NFL’s perceived lack of action as it relates to the incident.
It is, however, important to realize that these are just allegations that were being investigated. Unlike the situation with his four-year old son, Peterson has not been charged with any crimes here. That’s something people need to realize before jumping to a conclusion.
With all that said, this is the last thing anyone wanted to hear as it relates to Peterson.
Update (7:11 PM ET)
Report says Adrian hit then 4-year-old son last June… left a scar on kids forehead. This can be used as evidence in current investigation
— Seth Kaplan 📺 (@Seth_Kaplan) September 15, 2014
KHOU obtained text messages between Adrian and the boy's mother explaining what happened. 4-year-old cursed at his brother.
— Seth Kaplan 📺 (@Seth_Kaplan) September 15, 2014
KHOU also reported the first text msg shows Adrian saying kid hit head on carseat. When questioned by mother, he says "yes" to hitting him.
— Seth Kaplan 📺 (@Seth_Kaplan) September 15, 2014
So this is a completely different investigation that could very well be used in the current investigation. To be clear here, Peterson WAS NOT charged in this incident. The key thing to take out of this is that Peterson reportedly admitted to hitting the child.
Update: 9:43 PM ET
Peterson’s lawyer Rusty Hardin issued a denial on the most reent accusations against the Vikings running back (via Pro Football Talk).
The allegation of another investigation into Adrian Peterson is simply not true. The allegation is more than one year old and authorities took no action. An adult witness admittedly insists Adrian did nothing inappropriate with his son
By admitting that another allegation exists, Hardin is definitely opening up more criticism of his client. He is right that no charges were filed, but in the court of public opinion that doesn’t seem to matter all that much right now.
We will keep you updated as further information is released.
Photo: USA Today