Updated Fri., Oct 11, 6:50 p.m. EDT: A son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has died from the injuries he sustained after allegedly being abused by his mother's boyfriend, multiple sources, including USA Today and CNN, have reported.
The boy was being treated at a hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he was in critical condition. Peterson tweeted out his gratitude to his teammates and his fans later that afternoon.
The boy's name has not been released, but according to CNN, he is not Peterson's other son, Adrian Peterson, Jr.
Earlier:
Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson's son is in critical condition after being allegedly abused by his mother's boyfriend, USA Today reports.
According to the news site, the 2-year-old was in the Sioux Falls, S.D. apartment of Joseph Robert Patterson, 27, who is dating the child's mother, when Patterson called 911 to report a choking. It became clear at a hospital that the boy, who was found unresponsive by the police, had suffered from head injuries that were not accidental. Police believe that the mother was "gone for a short time" when the incident occurred.
Patterson had previously been involved in domestic disputes, including one for simple assault involving another woman and a male child. He has been charged with aggravated assault and aggravated assault on an infant in this latest case and is being held on a $750,000 cash bond.
Peterson, who was excused from Thursday's Vikings practice, returned on Friday and asked for privacy. "I really appreciate all the support that I've been receiving from fans, the Vikings organization," he said, according to USA Today. "This is a private matter, and I would ask you all to please just respect my privacy and not ask at all about the situation at hand."
Peterson is expected to play on Sunday against Carolina.
Read more at USA Today.
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