The news surrounding Adrian Peterson after TMZ reported Friday that the Minnesota Vikings running back had been indicted on child abuse charges, specifically reckless or negligent injury to a child. After a warrant was issues for his arrest, Peterson turned himself in to Montgomery County, Texas and was released on bail. Now the question rises of what happens next specifically for Peterson's football career. The Vikings wasted no time deactivating their star running back from Sunday's game against the Patriots, but will be all the moves they make?
After dealing with the Ray Rice scandal for the better part of last week, the NFL will not take this situation lightly, so what happens to Peterson in the long run? According to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post, the Vikings are not planning on cutting Peterson from the roster like the Ravens did with Rice, but they may seek a trade in the near future. As of now, Hubbuch believes that there is no chance Peterson is cut from the team unless the NFL makes a move to suspend him, but everything else is currently on the table for him.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport believes that the length of Peterson's absence from the Vikings will be determined by the amount of information that continues to come out regarding his arrest and the charges placed on him. He says the Vikings are taking this situation "one hour at a time" and understand the microscope they are under in wake of the Rice scandal. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman told NFL Media's Andrea Kremer that Minnesota will not make any moves involving a suspension or release of Peterson until more facts and details are uncovered.
Hubboch believes that the long-shot solution is a trade. The rumors regarding a trade of Peterson have been circling for some time. The running back has hinted several times about wanting out of Minnesota. A story emerged from ESPN claiming Peterson went as far as to call Jerry Jones and say that he wants to play for the Dallas Cowboys in his next contract. Minnesota would not let the running back walk away for nothing in return in free agency and could seek a deal.
At this time, not a single team in the NFL would look to trade for Peterson. Not even the worst injury would likely push them to that move after these charges. With his future in the league currently unknown, Peterson must just sit and wait for his fate.
