One law enforcement source tells TMZ ... Peterson decided to discipline his son by grabbing a branch from a tree -- and then whipping the child on his bare skin. We're told several of the wounds were bleeding when the child went back to his mother.
2:31 PM PT -- The Vikings have issued a statement saying ... "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 Adrian’s attorney Rusty Hardin."
Minnesota Vikings superstar Adrian Peterson has been indicted for child abuse in North Montgomery County, TX ... TMZ Sports has learned.
Sources connected to Peterson tell us ... the alleged victim is a male child from Minnesota who was visiting Adrian back in May at AP's home in Texas.
We're told the child returned home to his mother in Minn. who noticed injuries and took the child to a doctor. A short time later, the doctor contacted authorities in Texas to report Adrian.
Child Protective Services confirms it is working on a case involving Peterson. Multiple sources tell us the alleged victim is a 4-year-old boy.
Peterson was indicted in Montgomery County for reckless or negligent injury to a child, this according to MyFOX Houston 26.
Peterson missed Vikings team practice yesterday -- though the team explained it as a "veteran's day." Peterson did attend practice today and was said to be laughing and joking on the field.
Earlier today, Peterson posted a message on Twitter -- though it's unclear if it's related to the case.
"People understand that if you are on God's course and suppose to have that position and man decides to remove you know that God will remove everyone to place you rightfully! You matter!"
"Its your season! Weapons may form but won’t prosper! God has you covered don’t stress or worry!"
I've had plenty of whoppins growing up but I NEVER had marks like tht on me when I was 4 years old....tht lil boy should still be in the belt phaze not no damn switches
My mom always told me as long as I didn't get any marks on my body then she did nothing wrong This is purely discipline though, they're doing the most and no ill intent was ment.
EDIT: nnn never mind; those are serious cuts. He hit him to hard.
I'm not against disciplining your child but this is extreme.
I understand that he didn't intentionally mean to harm his child but only did what was done to him. Still two wrongs don't make a right. Just because this sort of punishment was done to you doesn't mean that your kids deserve the same thing.
This is purely discipline though, they're doing the most and no ill intent was ment.