Oh, how the mighty Adrian Peterson has fallen

The credentials for the Minnesota Viking running back are unassailable on the gridiron, Aaron Gray writes. But off the field is a different story, as has been demonstrated in the past few weeks.

A judge tentatively set a Dec. 1 trial date for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson on a charge of felony child abuse for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son earlier thisShow more

Being a great player does not make Adrian Peterson a great guy.

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings running back gained more than 1,200 rushing yards.

Two seasons ago, he returned only eight months after major knee surgery and ran for more than 150 yards in a game seven times. He ended with 2,097 yards, only eight short of Eric Dickerson’s 29-year-old, single-season rushing record, and was chosen the league’s most valuable player.

Peterson’s credentials are unassailable. On the gridiron.

Off the field is a different story, as has been demonstrated in the past few weeks.

Peterson has been free on bond on a charge of felony child abuse. He is accused of striking his four-year-old son with a stick. He played the first game of the season for the Vikings before they shut him down until the matter was resolved.

His trial is set for early December and would probably take a week. Even if he were acquitted, it seemed unlikely he could make himself ready to play in the Vikings’ final three games.

On Thursday, before a urinalysis exam, he admitted to a lab technician he had "smoked a little weed", or marijuana, which is illegal while free on bond. Prosecutors in his case have asked the court to order his arrest.

This latest gaffe has pretty much ended hopes of Peterson playing again this season.

It has become apparent Peterson needs to improve his character off the field before he is allowed back on it.

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