Adrian Peterson | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Adrian Peterson, running back for the Minnesota Vikings, has been suspended without pay for the remainder of the NFL season after he has “shown no meaningful remorse” over his child abuse charges.

The announcement, which came from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, means that the soonest the 29-year-old athlete could be reinstated would be April 15.

“You have shown no meaningful remorse for your conduct. When indicted, you acknowledged what you did but said that you would not ‘eliminate whooping my kids’ and defended your conduct in numerous published text messages to the child’s mother. You also said that you felt ‘very confident with my actions because I know my intent.’ These comments raise the serious concern that you do not fully appreciate the seriousness of your conduct, or even worse, that you may feel free to engage in similar conduct in the future.” Roger wrote to Adrian in a letter (via USA Today).

In case you didn’t know, Adrian was charged with child abuse after spanking his son with a switch back in September, and has not been active for most of this NFL season as a result.

Adrian Peterson has been indicted in a child abuse case.

The 29-year-old NFL football player was booked at the Montgomery County jail on Saturday (September 13) and posted bond for $15,000.

“The charged conduct involves using a switch to spank his son. This indictment follows Adrian‘s full cooperation with authorities who have been looking into this matter. Adrian is a loving father who used his judgement as a parent to discipline his son,” Adrian‘s lawyer shared in a statement to TMZ.

His lawyer added, “[Adrian] used the same kind of discipline with his child that he experienced as a child growing up in East Texas. 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.”

The news comes at the heels of the controversy with Ray Rice, who was suspended from the NFL for beating up his then-fiancee Janay Palmer in a hotel elevator earlier this year.

Maria Sharapova poses in the press room backstage at the 2013 ESPY Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Wednesday (July 17) in Los Angeles.

The 26-year-old tennis player was joined by Kevin Bacon, who she hit the stage to present the award for Best Comeback Athlete to football player Adrian Peterson.

During the show, Maria was seen sitting next to football player Colin Kaepernick, who won the award for Best Breakthrough Athlete at the beginning of the show.

FYI: Maria is wearing a J. Mendel dress and clutch, Casadei shoes, and Irene Neuwirth jewelry.

15+ pictures inside of Maria Sharapova and others at the 2013 ESPYs… More Here! »

Famous athletes and celebrities all posed with their JJ coasters at the 2009 ESPYs Awards at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on Wednesday (July 15). (Thanks Tammy!)

Olympic gymnasts (and gold medalists) Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin were as cute as can be and both said, “I follow you on Twitter!” The U.S. Olympic team reads JJ!

Ice skating legend Michelle Kwan was nice enough to talk, as well as former WWF star, The Iron Sheik and another famous Jared (the Subway commercial guy who lost over 200 pounds)!

Shawn shared about her future TV appearance, saying, “I did The Secret Life of The American Teenager and Dancing with The Stars, of course but I think I’m going to be on Secret Life again, so make sure to watch that!” Nastia talked about her fashion interests, saying, “I would love to get involved with fashion more, and it’s something I like to do – modeling and acting. But right now I’m back to full-time training and getting ready for London!”

Also pictured after the jump are: WNBA star Lisa Leslie, NFL running back, Adrian Peterson, former basketball player, Jalen Rose, and #1 NBA draft pick, Blake Griffin.

10+ pictures inside of JJ hitting the 2009 ESPYs Red Carpet…More Here! »