Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson entered a no-contest plea Tuesday to a reduced charge of misdemeanor reckless assault and avoided jail time in his felony child abuse case.
Peterson received probation, 80 hours of community service and a $4,000 fine as part of the agreement. He appeared in a Montgomery County, Texas, courthouse before Judge Kelly Case.
"Good luck to you, sir," Case told Peterson after the plea deal.
Peterson, who could have been sentenced up to two years in jail, maintained he was not trying to injure his 4-year-old son when he allegedly whipped the boy with a tree branch, inflicting visible wounds.
"I want to say I truly regret this incident," Peterson said after his court appearance. "I stand here and I take full responsibility for my actions. I love my son more than any one of you can even imagine.
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"I'm looking forward, and I'm anxious to continue my relationship with my child. I'm just glad this is over, I can put this behind me, and me and my family can begin to move forward."
Peterson was placed on the NFL's Exempt/Commissioner's Permission list in mid-September and is being paid his full salary of $11.25 million for the 2014 season.
The wheels are now set in motion for Peterson's return to the Vikings. He has missed eight games this season.
Commissioner Roger Goodell would need to reinstate Peterson before he could play again. The Vikings' next game is against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 16.
"We would review the matter, including the court record, and the commissioner would make a determination," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "We cannot provide a timetable."
The Vikings refused to talk about Peterson's status.
"At the appropriate time, we'll make comments on Adrian," Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said.
Peterson's Vikings teammates apparently will welcome him back when the time comes.
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"I think everybody's hopeful that he'll have an opportunity to come back," fullback Jerome Felton told USA Today. "He'll definitely have 100 percent support in the locker room."
