Hearing in Peterson nightclub case set for Aug. 6

HOUSTON (AP) — 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 was charged with resisting arrest early Saturday. 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 standout, a native of Palestine, Texas, was drafted seventh overall by Minnesota in 2007.

SportsPlus

Mower County

City, county developing comprehensive plans with each other in mind

Mower County

Nomination period open for Pay It Forward

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Jeffer Lorenzo back in Mower County court, will face sentencing in March

News

Minnesota Democrats ask state Supreme Court to resolve state House power struggle

Business

At home holistically: Rosa Rodriguez opens brick and mortar location for Bruja Bonita

Mower County

PTTP kicks off 15th year of fighting cancer

Mower County

Rep. Bennett: Actions have consequences

Mower County

After several years of inviting visitors to Nativity collection, Austin couple says this is the last year

Education

School Board gets an update on reconstruction of Paulson Courts

Mower County

MMUA honors credentialed Austin journeyman lineworker Garitt Wytaske at annual conference

Mower County

Minnesotans fish free statewide with kids Jan. 18-20

Mower County

Minnesota Association of Townships announces 2025 Scholarship Program for high school juniors

News

U of M researchers examine preparedness for possibility of CWD jump to humans

News

University of Minnesota gets fast-tracked funding to survey wildlife for bird flu

News

House Democrats boycott opening day of Minnesota’s legislative session to thwart narrow GOP majority

Business

Hormel’s Snee to retire at end of fiscal year

News

Minnesota Legislature could be headed for a rocky start to its 2025 session

Mower County

Paint the Town Pink Kicks Off During Austin Area Chamber Business After Hours at The Hormel Institute

LeRoy

Mower County Sheriff’s Office investigating ATM theft in LeRoy

News

Milk from Minnesota dairy farms to undergo mandatory testing for bird flu

Mower County

Love the Work: Mike Hanson enters phased retirement having enjoyed his time with the county

Education

Ellis Middle School teacher nominated for STEM award

Mower County

Duplicate Bridge

Education

Education Briefs