An NFL player suspected of assaulting his child is alleged to have physically abused another son a year earlier, it has emerged.
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been charged over allegedly striking his four-year-old son with a tree branch this summer.
In June 2013 another incident is alleged to have occurred while a different son was visiting Peterson in Woodlands, Texas, reported by CBS Houston affiliate KHOU-TV.
The boy reportedly suffered a head wound that resulted in a scar above his right eye. Police were aware of the allegation but no charges were filed.
The child's mother apparently reported the incident to child protection services.
Peterson's attorney Rusty Hardin responded to the latest report by saying: "This is not a new allegation, it's one that is unsubstantiated and was shopped around to authorities in two states over a year ago and nothing came of it.
"An adult witness adamantly insists Adrian did nothing inappropriate with his son. There is no ongoing or new investigation."
The Vikings said they were aware of the allegation when Peterson was reinstated to the team.
He had been suspended for last Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.
The suspension followed his indictment before a grand jury for allegedly spanking his son with the tree branch.
"I am not a perfect son. I am not a perfect husband. I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser," he said.
Peterson is due to appear in court in Montgomery County, Texas, on October 8 over the alleged incident this summer.
He faces charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child.
Mr Hardin said Peterson "used his judgment as a parent to discipline his son".
He said that Peterson regretted the incident but never intended to harm the boy.
The footballer is fully cooperating with authorities, Mr Hardin added.
Meanwhile, the Radisson hotel chain has said that it was temporarily withdrawing its sponsorship of the Vikings due to its "long-standing commitment to the protection of children".
The NFL has appointed three consultants who will work with teams on issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has been under pressure following the suspension of Ray Rice for allegedly punching his girlfriend, sent a memo to teams announcing the appointments on Monday.
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