Adrian Peterson Pleads No Contest in Child-Abuse Case: Latest Details, Reaction

Updates from Monday, Nov. 10

The NFLPA filed a grievance on Adrian Peterson's behalf, the organization confirmed on its website:

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The NFLPA has filed an expedited, non-injury grievance to remove Adrian Peterson from the Commissioner’s Exempt list based on explicit language in a signed agreement dated September 18, 2014. We asked the NFL to honor the terms of that agreement last week and as of now, they have failed to respond or comply. It is our obligation to protect all players’ rights, and we will pursue any and all breaches of any contract between a player and his team or the NFL.

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Earlier, the Minnesota Vikings issued a statement regarding Adrian Peterson's status with the franchise:

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In regards to Adrian Peterson's status with the Minnesota Vikings, at this time his potential reinstatement is under NFL guidelines. As an organization, we respect and understand the league’s process. In the interim, our focus is on the team and preparing for this weekend's game against the Bears.

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Head coach Mike Zimmer later spoke about Peterson, via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

Updates from Thursday, Nov. 6

The NFLPA released a statement on Adrian Peterson's plea deal:

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Our union worked with the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian’s representatives on a mutual agreement pending the adjudication of his legal case. Now that his legal matter is resolved, we believe it is Adrian’s right to be treated in a manner that is consistent with similar cases under our collective bargaining agreement. We will pursue any and all remedies if those rights are breached.

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Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports has an update on Peterson's attempt to be reinstated:

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The NFL rejected an attempt by Adrian Peterson's camp for immediate reinstatement following his plea agreement on Tuesday and refused to engage in discussions regarding a settlement over his playing status, two sources informed of the discussions told FOX Sports.

Peterson's camp, which included the NFL Players Association, his agent Ben Dogra and his lawyer Rusty Hardin, kept the NFL informed of the progress of plea-deal discussions to let Roger Goodell and other league executives know an agreement was imminent, the sources said. Short of immediate reinstatement, Peterson's camp hoped to at least come to an understanding on what the Minnesota Vikings running back would need to do in order to be return to the field and how quickly that could occur.

The sources said the NFL executives made it clear a decision on Peterson's status would be forthcoming, and the league would inform Peterson at that point.

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ESPN's Adam Schefter reports on a potential timetable for Peterson's return:

Schefter also reported that the NFL has reached out to Peterson on what he should do next:

According to Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune, the Vikings are still debating if Peterson should suit up again during the 2014 season:

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The Vikings continue to have internal discussions about whether Peterson, the leading rusher in franchise history who was expected to again be the centerpiece of their offense this season, should be allowed to play this season as they await word from the NFL about his status.

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Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports on what being on paid-leave means for Peterson moving forward:

Updates from Wednesday, Nov. 5

Pro Football Talk provides comments from Adrian Peterson attorney Rusty Hardin:

Original Text:

Embattled Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson avoided a felony child abuse trial Tuesday by pleading no contest to the charges.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network provides details on the plea deal:

Rapoport passes along a statement from Peterson:

Rochelle Olson of the Star Tribune has more details on the terms of Peterson's deal:

The Vikings released a brief statement via NFL.com:

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk first reported that the six-time Pro Bowler would plead no contest to one count of misdemeanor reckless assault, which would then result in a $4,000 fine, probation and community service rather than jail time.

Peterson hasn't suited up for the Vikings since Week 1, after he was indicted for reckless or negligent injury to a child. Per CBS Minnesota, Peterson admitted to "whooping" one of his children with a switch in May.

With uncertainty surrounding AP's legal situation, the Vikings decided to deactivate him, via Jay Glazer of Fox Sports:

ESPN's Darren Rovell puts the fine into perspective:

In hopes of getting his client back on the football field, attorney Rusty Hardin made it clear that he wanted to resolve the case as quickly as possible, per NFL Network's Albert Breer:

Now that Peterson has expedited the legal process, the focus shifts toward the possibility of him playing once again in 2014.

According to Rapoport, Peterson may very well be cleared to play this season, though the timetable is uncertain:

Around the NFL provides more from Rapoport:

Per Adam Schefter and Michele Steele of ESPN.com, the league has yet to show any indication that it will reinstate Peterson. While a formal suspension is possible, the NFL could just as easily count the eight games he has already missed as punishment enough.

Although the Vikings are a long shot to make the playoffs in the stacked NFC at this point, they have played well enough to remain in contention at 4-5. A potential Peterson return could lead to some negative publicity, but he would undoubtedly help Minnesota on the field.

Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata have proven capable in AP's absence, but they don't strike fear in opposing defenses like Peterson does.

Since the NFL has no previous precedent to utilize in this situation, it is difficult to predict how Peterson's status will be handled.

The no-contest plea does create the possibility of a 2014 return, which is something that most considered to be unlikely when the particulars of this case were made public.

Peterson is a divisive figure who will generate plenty of debate if and when he comes back. Reinstatement is inevitable at some point, but whether it happens in 2014 remains to be seen.

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