Adrian Peterson appears in Texas courtroom as his lawyer Rusty Hardin says … – New York Daily News
Jason Fochtman/AP Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (c.), walks toward the Lee G. Alworth Building and the Montgomery County 9th District Court in Conroe, Tex., on Wednesday morning. CONROE, Texas – Former NFL MVP Adrian Peterson entered a third-floor courtroom behind his attorney, Rusty Hardin, at 9:11 a.m., to face child abuse charges Wednesday.
He walked past five wooden benches filled with Montgomery County inmates who were dressed in jail stripes, shackles and handcuffs, turned to his right and sat down, waiting for his name to be called on the daily docket among others charged with drunk driving, online solicitation of a minor and criminal mischief. Peterson was accused of hitting his four-year-old son with a tree branch, leaving cuts and bruises.
“I appreciate the support,” Peterson said as he passed. The NFL star did not speak in court.
Jason Fochtman/AP Adrian Peterson goes through security as he arrives for his first court appearance in child abuse case. 
Jason Fochtman/AP Peterson arrived to face a charge of felony child abuse for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son earlier this year.
A potential trial date was set for Dec. 1, but the prosecution indicated it intends to file a motion to get Judge Kelly W. Case removed from the case. Prosecutor Brett Ligon requested an apology from Case because Case recently referred to both Hardin and Ligon as “media whores”. Case apologized, but Hardin offered that he was not offended.
“I’ve been called worse,” Hardin said.
“Well, so have I,” Ligon said. “But secondly I would ask that the court voluntarily recuse itself.”
A Nov. 4 hearing was scheduled on whether to assign a new judge.
David J. Phillip/AP Adrian Peterson (l.), who does not speak during Wednesday’s hearing, is seen with his wife Ashley Brown Peterson in the Conroe, Texas courtroom. Hardin spoke for Peterson on the courthouse steps afterward.
“This man loves his children dearly,” Hardin said. “Don’t rush to judgment.”
Jason Fochtman/AP A fan wearing a wildcat custume holds up a sign in support of Adrian Peterson outside court. Hardin added: “I think I want to try to be like the coach of the New England Patriots. Instead of on to Cincinnati, we are on to trial.”
Peterson, 29, was dressed in a suit and tie and accompanied by family and friends. He shared small talk with lawyers and laughed during conversations.
Jason Fochtman/AP Adrian Peterson’s attorney Rusty Hardin (r.) jokes around with the fan in the wildcat costume. He faces up to two years if convicted, but could also be placed on probation since he would be a first time offender. Corporal punishment is legal in Texas, but child advocacy groups note that excessive beatings are not permitted.
Peterson’s son allegedly suffered cuts and bruises on his legs and buttocks at the hands of his father. Peterson previously maintained that he was not a child abuser, and that he was discipline the boy in the same manner he learned as a child.
Peterson, who is making more than $11 million this season, has not played with the Vikings since the season opener. He was barred from all team activities after being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list Sept. 17. The team is 1-3 without him. He will also likely face punishment from the NFL, which has recently introduced a domestic violence policy that can suspend players up to six games.
There was a large amount of attention given Peterson as he came into courtroom. A man dressed as a wildcat – the mascot for Palestine High, where Peterson starred – stood outside the courthouse. Twelve member of the group “Bikers Against Child Abuse” were by the courtroom door. They wore leather jackets emblazoned Confederate and Lone Star flags, as well as the words, “No child deserves to live in Fear.”
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