Adrian Peterson child abuse trial set for Dec. 1

Adrian Peterson has a tentative Dec. 1 trial date set in his Texas felony child abuse case.

The Minnesota Vikings’ season ends less than a month later, and the star running back isn’t allowed to take the field while the charges are pending.

Montgomery County District Judge Kelly Case set the date for the trial Wednesday, but Dist. Atty. Brett Ligon indicated that he plans to file a motion asking the judge to recuse himself after Case allegedly called the attorneys handling the case “media whores.”

A Nov. 4 hearing was set to determine whether a new judge should be assigned to the case.

Peterson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said he’s “been called worse” and that his primary concern is a speedy trial, because his client remains on paid leave while the charge is pending.

“The only way to get this solved is to have a quick and speedy trial,” he said.

Peterson, who was arrested last month and charged with using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son earlier this year, did not speak during the court appearance. Hardin has said Peterson plans on pleading not guilty.

Outside the courthouse, someone wearing a wildcat costume carried a sign that read, “Free AP,” while a group of women shrieked at Peterson’s appearance.

Twitter: @chewkiii

The Associated Press contributed to this report.