Major Controversies Surrounding Adrian Peterson: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Adrian Peterson—discover key moments of controversy.

Adrian Peterson, a former NFL running back, is considered one of the greatest in football history. He played college football at Oklahoma, setting a freshman rushing record and becoming the first freshman runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. He ended his college career as the Sooners' third all-time leading rusher before a long and successful NFL career.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 12, 2014: Indicted on Child Abuse Charges

On September 12, 2014, Peterson was indicted on child abuse charges and deactivated by the Vikings, leading to a tumultuous season.

November 4, 2014: Pleaded No Contest to Assault Charge

On November 4, 2014, Adrian Peterson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of recklessly assaulting his son, avoiding jail time but receiving probation and a fine.

November 18, 2014: Suspension Upheld by Arbitrator

On November 18, 2014, arbitrator Shyam Das ruled in favor of the NFL, keeping Adrian Peterson on the commissioner's exempt list, effectively ending his 2014 season.

December 2014: Suspension Affirmed Until 2015

In December 2014, Harold Henderson, the NFL-appointed arbitrator, affirmed Adrian Peterson's unpaid suspension until at least spring 2015.

2014: Indictment and Suspension

In 2014, Adrian Peterson was indicted on charges of injury to a child and was suspended for the rest of the season.

February 6, 2015: Federal Court Appeal Hearing Scheduled

In December 2014, Peterson's league appeal was upheld, and a federal court appeal hearing was scheduled for February 6, 2015.

2015: Suspension Extended

In December 2014, Harold Henderson affirmed Adrian Peterson's unpaid suspension until at least spring 2015.

August 4, 2016: NFL Wins Appeal in Peterson Case

On August 4, 2016, ESPN reported that the NFL won an appeal in a case against Adrian Peterson, reversing a ruling which had overturned Peterson's suspension and fine.

2016: Defaulted on 2016 Loan

In 2018, Adrian Peterson was ordered to repay a Minnesota bank for defaulting on a 2016 loan.

March 1, 2017: Deadline for Loan Payment

By March 1, 2017, Adrian Peterson had failed to make the full payment of $5.2 million on a 2016 loan to DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC.

2018: Admits to Using Belt for Discipline

In 2018, Adrian Peterson admitted that he was still using a belt to discipline his son.

2018: Ordered to Repay Minnesota Bank

In 2018, Adrian Peterson was ordered to repay a Minnesota bank for defaulting on a 2016 loan.

2018: Sued by Loan Company

In 2018, Adrian Peterson was sued by DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC for defaulting on a 2016 loan.

July 2019: Ordered to Pay Creditor $2.4 Million

In July 2019, a Maryland state judge ordered Adrian Peterson to pay another creditor $2.4 million.

2019: Reached Settlement Agreement

In 2019, Adrian Peterson reached a settlement agreement with DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC after being sued for defaulting on a 2016 loan.

January 2021: Ordered to Pay $8.3 Million

In January 2021, Adrian Peterson was ordered by a New York State Supreme Court judge to pay DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC $8.3 million after defaulting on a settlement.

February 13, 2022: Arrested for Domestic Violence Incident

On February 13, 2022, Adrian Peterson was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for a domestic violence incident with his wife, Ashley, on a flight to Houston. The charges were later dropped.

February 2024: Assets Seized Due to Unpaid Debt

In February 2024, court records revealed that Adrian Peterson had not paid any of the $8.3 million owed, leading to the forced seizure and auction of some of his personal assets, including his NFL trophies.