NFL star who ‘doesn’t believe in’ same-sex marriage indicted on child abuse charge
A Minnesota Vikings player who “doesn’t believe in” same-sex marriage has been indicted on charges of child abuse, after allegedly whipping his four-year-old son.
Adrian Peterson, who was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2012, previously stressed his opposition to homosexuality.
He toldĀ SiriusXM of same-sex marriage last year:Ā Ā “I have relatives who are gay. I’m not biased towards them. I still treat them the same. I love āem.
“But again, I’m not with that. Thatās not something I believe in.”
The 29-year-old, who was “commended for courageously sharing his views” by the anti-gay National Organisation for Marriage, hasĀ been charged as part of aĀ child abuse investigation in Texas.
According to reportsĀ the player allegedly used a small tree branch to whip his son’s legs.
A medical report found that the boy had “a number of lacerations on his thighs, along with bruise-like marks on his lower back and buttocks and cuts on his hand.ā
PetersonĀ has since beenĀ indicted and released on a $15,000 bond.
HisĀ lawyer Rusty Hardin has claimed he only practised stern parenting, saying: “Adrian is a loving father who used his judgement as a parent to discipline his son.”
A statement fromĀ the Minnesota Vikings added: “The Vikings are in the process of gathering information regarding the legal situation involving Adrian Peterson. At this time, we will defer further questions to Adrianās attorney.”
