Report: Adrian Peterson to plead no contest to misdemeanor assault

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will plead no contest to one count of misdemeanor reckless assault Tuesday with no reference to family violence or violence against a minor, according to Pro Football Talk.

Citing an unnamed source with knowledge of the situation, the report says the deal will resolve Peterson’s felony child-abuse case if accepted by Judge Kelly Case.

Under the reported agreement, Peterson will pay a $2,000 fine, be placed on probation and perform 80 hours of community service.

Mary Flood, the spokeswoman for Peterson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, told The Times on Tuesday morning she “cannot comment on rumors� and that she “doesn’t expect any news� to come down today on the case.

Peterson has missed eight games while on the commissioner’s exempt list, basically meaning he was serving an indefinite suspension with pay while his legal issues played out.

The NFL Players Assn. will likely argue that Peterson should be treated like any other player found guilty of a misdemeanor, ESPN reported Tuesday.

According to that report, the union is expected to push for Peterson’s reinstatement, although accompanied with a substantial fine.

Peterson was indicted back in September on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child. Prosecutors in Texas alleged that the NFL star used a “switch� or stick to discipline his 4-year-old son, leaving the child with cuts on his thighs and hand, and bruises on his lower back and buttocks.

Peterson has said he never intended to hurt his son.

The Times’ Christine Mai-Duc contributed to this report.

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