The physical discipline that NFL star Adrian Peterson used on his son was beyond what the community would consider "reasonable," a Texas district attorney said Saturday, adding that the child abuse charges Peterson faces are being taken "extremely seriously."
Peterson, 29, was charged Friday with reckless or negligent injury to a child, which the Minnesota Vikings running back's attorney said came from Peterson using a "switch" to spank his 4-year-old son in May. Rusty Hardin said his client is a "loving father" who was merely disciplining his son. But the grand jury assigned to the case decided that that "discipline exceeds what the community would say is reasonable," Montgomery County First Assistant District Attorney Phil Grant said at a news conference Saturday.
Peterson turned himself in to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Criminal Justice Complex early Saturday, and was later released on $15,000 bond. If Peterson is found guilty, he could spend up to two years in prison, Grant said. The Vikings have pulled Peterson from Sunday's game.
The Montgomery County District Attorney's office is known for "effective and aggressive" prosecution against child abuse charges, Grant said.
IN-DEPTH
- Vikings RB Adrian Peterson Charged in Son's Injury, Won't Play Sunday
- Report: Peterson admitted to “whooping” son with a switch (NBC Sports)
— Elisha Fieldstadt