National Football League

'Media whore' comments lead DA to ask for Peterson judge's recusal

Published Oct. 8, 2014 2:58 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

At Adrian Peterson’s first court appearance on a charge of felony child abuse Wednesday, Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon, Judge Kelly W. Case and defense attorney Rusty Hardin engaged in a discussion about comments the judge reportedly made about the lawyers involved in the case.

What follows is a transcript of that discussion.

Ligon: “It’s come to my attention that on Oct. 2 you referred to Mr. Hardin as a whore”

Case: “I’m sorry, who?”

Ligon:  “Mr. Hardin. As a whore, specifically a media whore, and you also called me a whore, or media whore. I’m going to ask you before we proceed that you, and I’m doing it up here at the bench, that you apologize.”

Case: “Yeah, that was meant as a humorous joke, and unfortunately humor is sometimes taken the wrong way …”

Ligon: “Well, there is very little humor between the 9th (District) and the district attorney’s office.”

Case: “I know the district attorney feels that way.”

Ligon: “We feel it’s prejudiced for Mr. Peterson to get a fair trial. I also think that your comments will be biased towards the state. I am asking for the apology.”

Case: “Yes, of course, I apologize to both of you. That’s not how I feel about any of you. I think you’re doing a great job. And I’ve known Mr. Hardin for … 25 years. I don’t know how long I’ve known Mr. Hardin. So no, I absolutely would never mean any harm to either one of you by saying that.”

Hardin: “Just for the record, I don’t take offense to it, judge. I’ve been called much worse.”

Ligon: “Well, so have I. But secondly, I would ask that the court voluntarily recuse itself.”

Case: “Based on that?”

Ligon: “Yes, based on that and the affidavits that I’ve obtained from people …”

Case: “You’re welcome to make your motions. And I’ll forward it to (Presiding Judge Olen) Underwood.”

Ligon: “At this point, I make a formal motion.”

Peterson's trial date was tentatively set for Dec. 1. Read more about his day in court here.

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League