NFL’s Adrian Peterson in court for child abuse case

HOUSTON – Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has arrived in a Texas courtroom for an initial appearance on a charge of felony child abuse.

Peterson, accompanied by his wife and attorney, exited a black Cadillac Escalade and was asked what he expected during his appearance. He answered: “I don’t know. We shall see.”

Nearby was a person wearing a wildcat costume and holding a sign that said “Free AP” in sparkling letters. Peterson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, laughed when he saw the costume.

Peterson used a wooden switch to punish his 4-year-old son, causing bruising and marks on the boy earlier this year in suburban Houston. He is charged with injury to a child and faces up to two years in prison if convicted.

This story was originally published October 8, 2014 at 9:32 AM with the headline "NFL’s Adrian Peterson in court for child abuse case."