Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson avoided prison time by agreeing to a plea deal Tuesday over charges of child abuse pertaining to his 4-year-old son.

The 2012 NFL most valuable player must pay a $4,000 fine and perform community service under the terms of the plea bargain calling for him to plead no contest to misdemeanor assault.

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Peterson originally had been charged with felony injury to a child for his actions in beating his son with a switch, or tree branch. Findings on that charge were deferred for two years by Montgomery County Judge Kelly Case. Should Peterson fulfill his plea agreement and not getting further trouble they will be dismissed.

Peterson, 29, was visiting with his son in his suburban Houston home when the child misbehaved. Peterson said he disciplined the child the way his father used to discipline him as a child, however, he hit the boy so hard, it caused significant bruises and wounds that required medical attention. The incident was reported to Montgomery County authorities, who arrested Peterson.

Already under assault for a series of violent player actions including murder and wife beating, The Minnesota Vikings suspended Peterson indefinitely after charges were filed. He continues to receive his full $11.75 million salary.

Officially, Peterson is listed on the commissioner's exempt list. This means the Vikings can put another payer into his roster spot. NFL officials said any legal punishment was separate from NFL actions. Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesman, said the league would review the matter before determining Peterson's future status.

Peterson was the gold standard for NFL running backs. His combination of power and speed led him to more than 2,000 rushing yards and an MVP trophy in 2012. He fell just eight yards short of Eric Dickerson's all-time single-season rushing record set 20 years ago.

TagsAdrian Peterson, adrian peterson son, NFL, Football, Child abuse, Texas, justice