NFL star Adrian Peterson to plead not guilty to child abuse charge

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A spokeswoman for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's attorney says the NFL player plans to plead not guilty to a child abuse charge during his first court appearance in Texas since his indictment last month.

Peterson is scheduled to be in court Wednesday in Conroe. Peterson is accused of taking a switch to his 4 year old son, reportedly leaving him with scratches on his arms, legs and genitals.

Mary Flood, a spokeswoman for Peterson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, said Tuesday that if asked at the hearing, Peterson will plead not guilty to a charge of injury to a child, even though some have suggested by pleading guilty Peterson might be able to expedite his return to the football field.

Peterson says he never intended to harm his 4-year-old son by spanking him with a tree branch earlier this year.

Prosecutor Phil Grant previously said cases of this magnitude can take 9-12 months to prosecute. He declined to comment Tuesday on whether the case could be settled without a trial.

An investigation by the Minneapolis-Star Tribune found Peterson's own charity, All Day Foundation, filed contradictory financial records. The paper also uncovered a police report that alleges his involvement in a night of drinking, aruing and sex between Peterson, two relatives and four women. The report indicated a hotel room they had used was paid for with a credit card from Peterson's charity.

On Twitter, Peterson defended himself, saying in part, "...it's sad how people these days will believe anything reported by media sources..."

If convicted, Peterson faces up to two years in prison.