All Goes Up In Smoke For Adrian Peterson, Jail Time On Horizon

Suspended Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson adds fuel to his child abuse charges by admitting to court officials that he “smokes a little weed,” and would probably fail a drug test.

Peterson was led out of the hearing at one point to provide a urine sample, which is required of many defendants.

This admission was made during his first court appearance in Conroe, Texas, on the abuse felony child abuse charge for using a switch on his 4-year-old son. The New York Times reports that Peterson’s hearing is delayed on the charge.

Adrian Peterson, 29, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of reckless negligence when he spanked his son with a small tree branch, stripped of leaves.

The incident occurred last May 18 when the boy – who lives with his mother – was visiting Peterson at his home in the Houston suburbs.

Photos of the young boy allegedly show his legs covered in marks, some appearing to have broken the skin. Peterson turned himself in, and was released September 12 on $15,000 bond.

Rusty Hardin, attorney for Peterson, claims his client never meant to harm his son, and was using the same discipline “he experienced as a child growing up in East Texas.” Peterson also defended himself, saying, “I’m not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser.”

The Inquisitr reports Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon wants Peterson arrested and his bond revoked, after the NFL star allegedly admitted that he “smokes a little weed.”

According to Fox Sports, Peterson’s admission comes with a heavy price while he stands accused of the felony child abuse charge, and violates the terms of the bond release which could lead to an extended stay in jail.

It is unclear when a judge will rule on Ligon’s request to revoke Peterson’s bond, and arrest him. The bond case can’t be heard until it is decided whether Judge Kelly Case will be recused, another request made by Ligon in this complicated proceeding, which has now been rescheduled for a tentative hearing on December 1.

Adrian Peterson signed a seven-year contract for more than $100 million with the Vikings in 2011. Peterson is considered one of the best running backs in the NFL, and while he is suspended from the team during this court matter, he will still draw his $11 million salary.

Benched but not unemployed, Adrian Peterson will probably not be back in the game for this season.

In the face of all the recent exposure over domestic violence, and now child abuse charges, in professional sports, this situation gives the NFL another black eye. The best the rest of us who are sitting on the sidelines can do is try to let the healing begin.

[Image Jason Fochtman/Conroe Courier, via Associated Press]