A Texas judge has tentatively set a Dec. 1 trial date for Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson on a charge of felony child abuse for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son.
Judge Kelly Case set the date Wednesday as Peterson made his first court appearance in suburban Houston for the incident that occurred earlier this year. Peterson did not enter a plea, though his attorney said he will eventually plead not guilty to the charge that carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.
Peterson is on paid leave. The Vikings’ final game of the season is Dec. 28.
Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon indicated he intends to file a motion to recuse the judge after Case allegedly called attorneys in the case “media whores.” Case apologized, but a Nov. 4 hearing was scheduled on whether to assign a new judge.
Defense attorney Rusty Hardin says he wants to try the case as quickly as possible to get Peterson back to playing.
