Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has pled no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault in a Texas court this afternoon, for whipping his 4-year old son earlier this year. Peterson had been facing felony charges, but will now spend no time in jail, pay a $4000 fine, perform community service, and remain on probation for two years.

The case has kept him off the field and on the 'Commissioners Exempt List' since week two of the season. He has continued receiving a paycheck while on the exemption list. Today's hearing essentially ends the legal portion of this roller coaster ride for AP.

ESPN's Ed Werner:  I think we're looking at the imminent return of Adrian Peterson to the Vikings.

The next question is whether he will return to the field for the Vikings. Here's are my understanding of the situation:

  1. The NFL could still assess its own penalties. If they do, it would likely come in the form of a suspension for violating the league's player conduct policy. A common suspension for that kind of ruling is six-weeks. However, AP could probably forfeit the pay he received the last 7 weeks, and consider that 'time-served.'
  2. My guess is that the Minnesota Vikings would jump at the chance to have him back on the team.
  3. Coaches and players on the team have stood by him throughout the process, and want him back.
  4. Regardless of how the front office feels about the moral issues, the court ruling allows them an easy out; deferring to the legal system's handling of the case. I'm not saying that's the wrong path to take, but it does give them something to hold on to if they want AP back right away.
  5. Local and national fan reaction is a question, but right (or more likely wrong), winning cures just about everything and the fans can feel ok about things by also deferring to the courts decision.
  6. The Vikings are 4-5 and still competitive. It makes having one of the NFL's best players back on your team an attractive proposition.
  7. Jerick McKinnon & Matt Asiata have been very productive, but again, Adrian's return would have an undeniable, immediate impact.
  8. The Vikings have a bye this week, and are at Chicago on 11/16.

Bottom line: I could be wrong (and believe it or not I have been wrong once or twice), but I think Adrian Peterson is on the field when the Vikings face the Bears on November 16th. Unthinkable a month ago when I was pretty sure that he was done as a Viking (but as I have mentioned, I've been wrong before.)

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