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Adrian Peterson Trial Date Set for December

Vikings rusher to make not guilty plea in child abuse case.

Adrian Peterson made his first court appearance in Texas on Wednesday since being indicted on child abuse charges last month.

Although the Minnesota Vikings running back didn't enter a plea Wednesday, he reportedly found out that December 1 will be the tentative date that he stands trial on felony child abuse charges, his attorney, Rusty Hardin, confirmed with ESPN. Peterson's case can even begin as soon as next month if another case falls off the radar, as Hardin has said from the onset that he's pushing for an expedited trial.

Peterson was reportedly prepared to make a not-guilty plea if the court asked him to plead Wednesday. As expected, they didn't and Peterson must wait for his trial's tentative December 1 start date to resume.

On Tuesday, seemingly responding to a report that he used his charitable foundation's credit card to fund a 2011 orgy, Peterson tweeted: "It's SAD how people these days will believe anything reported by media sources that don't take the time to be GREAT!!!" Peterson then went on to tweet text-message screen shots that blasted the Minnesota Star Tribune's report about him, questioning the newspaper's accuracy and crediting ESPN for getting much of the factual information correct.

Tuesday also had the Vikings' coach wonder if he'll be able to return the services of Peterson this season.

"Honestly, I want the best for Adrian, No. 1, OK? But I also have to coach the guys that are here and go forward. If things get resolved and it's a good thing, then the more power to him,"Mike Zimmer told ESPN. "We will worry about that when the time comes."

Peterson has been on the NFL's exempt list since September 17, meaning he is still receiving his full $11.75 million salary, but is barred from all team activities. 

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 (Photo: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

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