Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson feels overwhelmed by the support and love he received from his teammates and fellow NFL players following the death of his two-year old son on Friday, he tweeted on social media site Twitter.
Peterson, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, took a moment on Twitter Friday to show his appreciation to his fellow football players who sent condolences after his son was allegedly beaten to death by the boyfriend of his mother.
Joseph Robert Patterson, 27, has been slapped with aggravated battery of an infant and aggravated assault. A judge already set bail at $750,000 during his first court appearance on Friday. If convicted, Patterson could spend up to 40 years in jail and pay a fine worth $80,000.
According to CNN, Patterson reported to the Police at around 5:45 p.m on Wednesday that a 2-year-old toddler was choking in his apartment in Sioux Falls. Police spokesman Sam Clemens said authorities found the boy in critical condition and Patterson was the only person in the apartment.
Peterson's son, whose name was not disclosed out of respect to the family, reportedly died due to injuries to his head. Meanwhile, the mother of the child is not under investigation.
"This is an absolute tragedy and the parents and the extended family are suffering greatly," said Lincoln County, South Dakota, State's Attorney Tom Wollman.
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and Houston Texans' defense lineman J.J. Watt were just a few of many sports personalities that extended condolences to Peterson and his family.
"You and your family are in our prayers @AdrianPeterson," Griffin III posted on his Twitter account.
"Thoughts are with you and your family @AdrianPeterson," Watt tweeted on Friday.
Meanwhile, NBA MVP and two-time champion LeBron James also expressed his sadness after learning what happened to Peterson's son.
"So Damn sad man!" the Miami Heat star tweeted. "Makes no sense at all. Innocent kid with dreams gets taking away by a coward with no dreams at all! Smh #SickForAP," said James.
Thank you to my family, my fans and fans of other teams for their support.
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) October 11, 2013
The NFL is a fraternity of brothers and I am thankful for the tweets, phone calls and text messages from my fellow players. — Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) October 11, 2013
God Bless everyone and thank u so much.
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) October 11, 2013
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
