By - Jaquan Murphy
Over the course of his illustrious career, Adrian Peterson has lost his fair share of games, fumbles and yards.
However, none of those losses compare to the loss of a loved one. More specifically, that of a child.
On Friday afternoon, Peterson's 2-year-old son was pronounced dead after being in critical condition following an assault by the boyfriend of the child's mother on Wednesday.
Joseph Patterson, 27, is the man authorities have charged in connection with the death. Initially Patterson was charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery of an infant, but with the toddler's subsequent passing, additional charges are sure to follow.
Around 5:45 Wednesday evening, a 911 call was placed to Sioux Falls authorities to report a choking. When paramedics arrived at the Platinum Valley apartment, the child was unresponsive and rushed to the hospital. When examined, it was apparent that the boy had been abused.
"Once he was at the hospital, the medical examiners found that he had some injuries that were not consistent with being accidental, but they were consistent with being abuse," police spokesman Sam Clemens said. "The injuries were to the head."
Over the course of his illustrious career, Adrian Peterson has lost his fair share of games, fumbles and yards.
However, none of those losses compare to the loss of a loved one. More specifically, that of a child.
On Friday afternoon, Peterson's 2-year-old son was pronounced dead after being in critical condition following an assault by the boyfriend of the child's mother on Wednesday.
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| Photo from: yahoo.com |
Around 5:45 Wednesday evening, a 911 call was placed to Sioux Falls authorities to report a choking. When paramedics arrived at the Platinum Valley apartment, the child was unresponsive and rushed to the hospital. When examined, it was apparent that the boy had been abused.
"Once he was at the hospital, the medical examiners found that he had some injuries that were not consistent with being accidental, but they were consistent with being abuse," police spokesman Sam Clemens said. "The injuries were to the head."
Through further investigation, it was determined that the mother had left Patterson in charge of the toddler at the time of the incident.
His bail is currently set at $750,000.
Reports are circulating that Peterson was unaware that he was the father of the child until recently. Thursday, he left the team to be with his son in South Dakota. Returning to practice Friday, the five-time Pro Bowler said that he would play in Minnesota's game versus the Carolina Panthers Sunday.
"Football is always something I will fall back on," Peterson said. "It gets me through tough times. Being around the guys in here, that's what I need."
Late Friday, the 2012 MVP took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the outpour of support he has received through a series of tweets.
"Thank you to my family, my fans and fans of other teams for their support. The NFL is a fraternity of brothers and I am so thankful for the tweets, phone calls and text messages from my fellow players. God Bless everyone and thank you so much."
Our thoughts are with Peterson and his family during this difficult time.
Prayers for the baby. Death for the boyfriend.
ReplyDeleteJust so awful, words fail me.
ReplyDeleteSo sad. Prayers to Peterson and his family.
ReplyDelete