CONROE, Texas, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- A judge in Conroe, Texas set a tentative trial date of Dec. 1 for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.
The star football player was indicted by a grand jury on reckless or negligent injury to a child in September.
Peterson is accused of hitting his four-year-old son with a switch to discipline him.
It allegedly left the child with a scar above his right eye.
His attorney, Rusty Hardin asked the judge to set a trial date as soon as possible so his client can get back to work with the Vikings.
Hardin told reporters, "Let's don't rush to judgment. The hysteria we've had with this particular public figure it always happens the same way. At the end, there's a totally another side. We'll be asking people to listen to."
In addition to allegations of child abuse against the star, there are now reports of financial mismanagement involving Peterson's charity, the All-Day Foundation.
Also during court on Wednesday, the prosecutor in the case -- County Attorney Brett Ligon -- asked the judge to apologize and recuse himself after making unflattering remarks about himself and Hardin.
Judge Kelly case said, "That was meant as a humorous joke and unfortunately, humor is taken the wrong way. I apologize to both of you, that's not how I feel about you.'
If convicted, Peterson could face between six months and 12 years in prison.
Peterson's next hearing date is Nov. 14.
