HOUSTON — Prosecutors have agreed to reset Adrian Peterson's court date to Aug. 6 on a misdemeanor charge stemming from an incident at a Houston nightclub.
The Minnesota Vikings star running back and Palestine native was charged with resisting arrest early July 7. He was handcuffed and briefly jailed after a confrontation with an off-duty police officer at the club. He was released on a $1,000 bond.
Peterson and attorney Rusty Hardin arrived early for his initial court hearing on Friday, then left before Judge Natalie Fleming even arrived. Hardin says he wants prosecutors to gather more information.
Harris County District Attorney's Office spokesman David Benzion said both sides met before the hearing and agreed on the delay "to ensure that every relevant witness is heard from. All of this is routine."
Houston police say Peterson shoved the off-duty officer, who was working security at the club. The officer had previously asked Peterson and his acquaintances to leave the club, which was closed, before the physical confrontation occurred.
Hardin, who successfully defended Roger Clemens in his recent perjury case, adamantly disputes the police's version of the incident.
"We've told you all along that Adrian never resisted arrest, never pushed or shoved a police officer," Hardin said.
Peterson, wearing a suit and tie, said outside the courtroom that he is "200 percent innocent" and that he didn't initiate contact with anyone that night.
"I didn't push, shove, touch anything to anyone that night, especially an officer," Peterson said. "I definitely don't have a problem with the Houston P.D. This involves two individual officers that I have an issue with. Once everything is settled and (comes) to a head, the truth will come out."
Hardin said Peterson was the victim, not the off-duty officer, and that the star running back was "struck at least twice in the face for absolutely no legitimate reason." Hardin says Peterson "was never objectionable to patrons."
The Vikings have their first practice of training camp on July 27.
Last season, Peterson ran for 970 yards and 12 touchdowns before tearing the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee on Dec. 24. The injury-shortened season broke a streak of four straight with at least 1,200 yards rushing.
The former Oklahoma standoutwas drafted seventh overall by Minnesota in 2007.
As a high school star, Peterson ran for more than 4,000 yards in his two seasons at Palestine High School. He frequently returns to Palestine for charity events as well as the annual “Adrian Peterson Day” held in his honor.
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Sports editor Justin Rains and the Associated Press contributed to this report
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Date for Peterson hearing set Aug. 6
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