Adrian Peterson shocker: I still spank my son with belt
Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson might potentially be facing further discipline from the NFL, or even additional legal troubles, after a shocking admission that he still uses corporal punishment on his son.
In an interview with the Bleacher Report, Peterson said, “I had to discipline my son and spank him the other day with a belt.”
The revelation, contained in a lengthy profile of Peterson released 24 hours before the Redskins will be on the NFL’s Thanksgiving stage against the Cowboys in Dallas, comes four years after Peterson — then with the Vikings — made national headlines when he was originally charged with felony child abuse and then suspended 15 games by the NFL in a case that involved his then-4-year-old son.
Potentially, this latest news could draw further discipline from the NFL, as Peterson’s 2015 reinstatement was contingent on his “avoidance of any further conduct that violates the Personal Conduct Policy or other NFL policies,’’ according to a release from the NFL at the time.
“There is nothing more important to Adrian Peterson than being a good father to his children,” agent Ron Slavin said in a statement issued on Peterson’s behalf. “The Bleacher Report approached the Washington Redskins and Adrian about doing a story about his resurgence on the field and his leadership in the locker room. Adrian’s trust with this reporter was violated when he discussed what happened four years ago.
“Adrian learned several valuable lessons four years ago, thanks in part to his suspension and counseling he underwent during and afterward. The writer attempted to focus on four years ago rather than who Adrian is now as a father. Since signing with the Redskins he has been an outstanding teammate and leader both on and off the field. Neither Adrian or myself will make any further comment on this article. His focus remains on leading the Redskins to the playoffs.”
The NFL’s 2015 ruling on Peterson also said, “Any further violation of the Personal Conduct Policy by Peterson would result in additional discipline, which could include suspension without pay or banishment from the NFL.’’
While Peterson, a Texas native, was initially charged with felony child abuse, he pleaded down in Montgomery County, Texas, in November 2014 to misdemeanor reckless assault.
That plea resulted in his suspension by the NFL, with the league considering his behavior as “violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.’’
Peterson’s recent admission could also draw attention from legal authorities, though the Bleacher Report article does not specify where the most recent incident took place.
In the 2014 case, Peterson faced charges after he spanked his son with a “switch,” or a flexible, branch-like item.
The corporal discipline left the child with cuts and bruises on his legs, back, buttocks, ankles and scrotum, according to reports.
Though the discipline took place in Texas, Peterson took the child to be examined by a Minnesota doctor, who reported the matter to local authorities. The case would up back in Texas.
Peterson, 33, signed with the Saints in 2017 before being traded to the Cardinals after four games. After suffering a neck injury, he landed on injured reserve and was released.
He signed a one-year, veteran minimum contract with the Redskins in August and is having a bounce-back season. He enters Thursday’s game in Dallas with 723 yards rushing, seventh in the NFL.
