Former NFL MVP running back Adrian Peterson has landed himself in legal trouble once again after two warrants were issued for his arrest in Texas this week.
Peterson, who was the last non-quarterback to be named Most Valuable Player back in 2012, has warrants out for his arrest after failing to appear in court for two different child support cases.
Despite earning over $100million in a 14-year NFL career which only ended three years ago, the ex-Minnesota Vikings star is now facing arrest over child support payments just three months after he was ordered to pay off around $12.5m in debt stemming from a 2016 loan.
Eight years after taking out a $5.2m loan from a Pennsylvania lending company, that sum has now grown significantly due to interest and attorney’s fees, leading to an $8.3m judgment against him in 2021.
Court-appointed receiver Robert Berleth then said in a February court filing that the approximate collection total was $12.5m, before a Houston judge ordered him to turn over numerous assets as a means toward paying his debt.
And amid his financial problems, back in October Peterson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor assault after he was accused of slapping a woman from behind earlier this year.
Former NFL MVP running back Adrian Peterson has warrants out for his arrest in Texas
Peterson, best known for his stint with the Vikings, is facing arrest after failing to show in court
According to USA Today, the 39-year-old was ordered to pay a $500 fine with no jail time.
After he failed to show in court for the child support cases, Fort Bend County – located just outside Houston – has issued capias warrants against Peterson; which differ from traditional arrest warrants that require enough evidence indicating the person committed the crime.
The two cases list women from Minnesota as the custodial parents involved. In one of those cases, a judge signed a qualified domestic relations order on Monday, which establishes the right of the child to a portion of Peterson’s NFL benefits for child support.
Peterson is best known for his 10-year stint with the Vikings, where he was named MVP and a four-time First-team All-Pro while making it to seven Pro Bowls. He also went on to enjoy brief spells with the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins (now Commanders), Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks.
He led the league in rushing three times in his 15-year career, while also ranking fifth all-time with 14,918 rushing yards to go along with 90 touchdowns during 184 career games
Nevertheless, Peterson has encountered plenty of off-field problems even during his playing days.
In 2014 he was charged with felony child abuse for hitting his four-year-old son with a switch. He ultimately did not serve jail time and pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault.
