Former NFL star Adrian Peterson, once regarded as one of the league’s top running backs, has been ordered by a Texas judge to surrender personal assets in an effort to pay off a massive debt that has now grown to over $12 million. The court’s decision comes as Peterson continues to face significant financial challenges stemming from a lawsuit over an unpaid loan.
The legal dispute traces back to a $5.2 million loan that Peterson borrowed from a Pennsylvania-based lending company. When he failed to repay the loan, interest and fees accumulated, causing the debt to more than double. A court-appointed receiver, Robert Berleth, has been actively working to recover funds to satisfy the judgment, which has led to intensified efforts to seize Peterson’s personal assets.
In a July court filing, Berleth requested permission to bring constables to Peterson’s home in Missouri City, a suburb of Houston, to facilitate the collection and inventory of valuables that could be sold off to help pay down the debt. Berleth emphasized that constables would be needed to “keep the peace and prevent interference” while he carried out his duties of collecting and cataloging the assets.
This week, a Texas judge granted Berleth’s request, allowing law enforcement officials to accompany him to Peterson’s residence. The move is seen as a necessary step to ensure the smooth and orderly retrieval of items that could potentially be auctioned to satisfy the substantial debt Peterson owes.
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Peterson’s legal team has not yet commented on the latest court order. However, this isn’t the first time they’ve contested the seizure of his belongings. Earlier this year, Peterson’s attorneys filed a motion to prevent Berleth from auctioning off items that had been taken from storage units, which included memorabilia such as Peterson’s 2007 NFL “Rookie of the Year” trophy. In February, a judge temporarily halted the sale of these assets, but it’s unclear whether they will be protected from future liquidation efforts.
Adrian Peterson’s financial troubles have been well-documented, despite a storied NFL career that saw him make seven Pro Bowls during a decade with the Minnesota Vikings. His accomplishments also include being named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2012.
After leaving the Vikings, Peterson went on to play for six other teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Washington Football Team, and Detroit Lions. Despite his on-field success, Peterson has struggled with debt, which has led to multiple lawsuits and attempts to recover money through asset sales.
As the legal battle unfolds, the former All-Pro running back now faces the reality of seeing some of his most prized possessions potentially auctioned off to cover his mounting debt.
