Vikings Star Adrian Peterson Dodges A Bullet: Alleged Child Abuser To Serve No Jail Time [VIDEO]

MStars News has just learned that Adrian Peterson's fate has now been saved.

According to TMZ, the Minnesota Vikings star landed a plea deal in his child abuse case that grants him permission to plead no contest to a lesser charge and avoid jail time.

The star running back was first charged with felony child abuse for repeatedly beating his 4-year-old son with a "switch" that caused a number of bruises and lacerations.

Peterson previously lost another son, Tyrese Robert Ruffin, after the child was killed by his mother's boyfriend. In the NFL player's defense for the child abuse allegations, a rep for Peterson said, "Adrian is a loving father who used his judgment as a parent to discipline his son. He used the same kind of discipline with his child that he experienced as a child growing up in East Texas," to Fox Sports.

The rep added at that time, according to Epoch Times: "Adrian has never hidden from what happened. He has cooperated fully with authorities and voluntarily testified before the grand jury for several hours. Adrian will address the charges with the same respect and responsiveness he has brought to this inquiry from its beginning. It is important to remember that Adrian never intended to harm his son and deeply regrets the unintentional injury."

Peterson claims that the way he disciplined his child was an example of being a strong parent. Whooping a child with a "switch" is not illegal.

TMZ says that ProFootballTalk.com is reporting Peterson has agreed to plead no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault, which will result in a lighter punishment.

If Judge Kelly Case agrees with Peterson's plea, he will be placed on probation, pay a $2,000 fine and have to serve 80 hours of community service,  according to ESPN.

Peterson is scheduled appear in court Tuesday afternoon to confirm his plea status. So far no decisions have been made as to when Peterson can return to the NFL.