Son Of Former OU Star Adrian Peterson Has Died

The 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back and former Sooners star Adrian Peterson has died in a South Dakota hospital after he was severely beaten, according to Sioux Falls police.

Peterson missed practice Thursday with the Vikings. A Minnesota news station reported his absence was due to "a very serious medical issue involving a young family member."

According to the website TMZ, Peterson's young son was severely beaten by a man who is dating the child's mother. The police department in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, received a medical emergency call on October 9 just before 6 p.m.

According to the police report, police found a 2-year-old child in the apartment. The child was unresponsive and had injuries consistent with abuse. The boy was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Police say the boy was home alone with 27-year-old Joseph Robert Patterson. He was arrested for aggravated battery of an infant and aggravated assault.  

Peterson spoke Friday afternoon during a news conference after Vikings practice. He did not say anything about the condition of his son, but said the situation was a private matter and he asked the media to respect his privacy.

He said he's staying "prayed up" and he plans to play Sunday.

Peterson is an NFL MVP, and holds the number three spot on OU's all-time rushing list.

2/4/2013 Related Story: Adrian Peterson Named NFL MVP