According to ESPN sources, star running back Adrian Peterson has still not accepted his uncertain NFL future amid child abuse charges.
Chris Mortensen writes that Peterson is "in denial about his future" and that even if he agrees to a plea deal with Texas prosecutors, he will still be subject to severe punishment from the NFL.
"The Pro Bowler tweeted Friday that he passed a lie detector test, which served as further proof, according to multiple sources, that he 'really doesn't get it,'" Mortensen writes.
According to a team source, the Vikings may not see Peterson in their future. This report comes after the team's owner Zygi Wilf admitted that they "made a mistake" by not acting sooner. Following Peterson's reactivation last Monday, the team reversed course by placing him on the commissioner's exempt list just two days later.
While on the NFL's exempt list, Peterson is barred from all team activities, but is still eligible to collect the remainder of his $11.75 million salary for this season.
Peterson is facing a child abuse charge in Texas for allegedly spanking his 4-year-old son in May with a wooden switch. Although Peterson has maintained that he only meant to discipline his son and not hurt him, photo evidence has surfaced of bruises and cuts on the boy's body.
Peterson is one of many NFL stars to land in legal trouble after violent incidents recently. Ray Rice was released by the Baltimore Ravens following the publication of a video of him striking his then-girlfriend by TMZ. The Carolina Panthers have placed star defensive end Greg Hardy on the NFL's exempt list after he was convicted of assaulting a female in June.
The NFL has come under fire for its mishandling of the Ray Rice situation, and has been criticized for leniency in regards to players facing charges related to violent crimes. If Peterson is reactivated at any point, a strict penalty could ensue.
"NFL commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned child abuse as a violation that the league will harshly punish during his news conference Friday, prompting the Vikings to change their expectations regarding Peterson's potential return to the team, according to sources," Mortensen writes.
