Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson says he will play Sunday, despite his current serious family issue. The former NFL MVP’s 2-year-old son is in critical condition in a South Dakota hospital, and the police say they arrested a man who was caring for the child at the time.
Joseph Patterson, 27, is the man who was charged in Lincoln County with aggravated assault and aggravated battery on the infant child. Prosecutors and police described the boy’s condition as consistent with abuse.
Patterson appeared in court Friday and was held on a $750,000 bail.
Peterson declined to speak on the specific incident Friday, but asked reporters to respect his family’s privacy.
“I should start off by saying I really appreciate all the support that I’ve been receiving from fans, the Vikings organization,” Peterson said Friday afternoon. “This is a private matter and I would ask you all to please just respect my privacy and not ask at all about the situation at hand. Thanks.”
Update: The child has reportedly died. More details coming soon…
