December trial date set in Adrian Peterson abuse case

CONROE, TX (KTRK) -- During NFL superstar Adrian Peterson's first appearance in Montgomery County Court on a felony child abuse charge, the judge set a tentative trial date. But it's possible it'll be another judge sitting on the bench for the trial.

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office filed a motion Wednesday to have Judge Kelly Case taken off the Peterson case because they believe he has demonstrated an ongoing hostility to the DA's Office, and has made comments about attorneys on both sides that raise concerns about his ability to be impartial.

Adrian Peterson stepped out of the car to a sidewalk full of cameras. Inside the courthouse, he said four words to our cameras, and they were directed to his fans.

"I appreciate the support," Peterson said.

Peterson faces a charge of injury to a child stemming from a spanking he gave his son while at his Spring home in May.

"This is a case about parenting decisions and whether something unfortunate happened when a parenting decision was made by a man who believes strongly and loves his children very much," says Peterson's attorney Rusty Hardin.

Rusty Hardin says Peterson is chomping at the bit to speak publicly, but his legal team has stopped him.

"I'm not out here to complain about the articles or any of the coverage. I would say however there's always another side. And I hope you'll start chasing the other side some. Regardless, the only way to get this solved is to have a quick and speedy trial."

In what may have been the most normal moment of the day for Peterson, the superstar stopped to autograph a football for Heather George.

She lives near the courthouse and came on the slight chance she'd get an autograph. She tells me she's not rushing to judgment.

"I think that the justice system will do whatever it's supposed to. I think as far as fans are concerned, I am very impressed with him," George says.

"This hysteria that we've had with this particular public figure, it always happens the same way. At the end, there's totally another side that we're asking people to listen to and observe," adds Rusty Hardin.

Trial is set for December 1, but could happen sooner.