Montgomery County (Texas) judge Kelly Case rejected a recusal motion filed by prosecutors during the arraignment of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson on child abuse charges last week and plans to remain on the bench for a trial that could begin Dec. 1.

Peterson did not verbally enter a plea at his initial court appearance, but the formal not guilty plea was made public Monday night. At his arraignment, assistant district attorney Phil Grant pushed to remove Case from the proceedings on the basis on “bias and recent legal disagreements.”

A hearing to finalize Case’s status scheduled for Wednesday could be rescheduled because of a conflict for Peterson’s defense team involving lead attorney Rusty Hardin.

Peterson is charged with abuse after allegedly using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son. He does not deny using the thin tree branch but Peterson said his intent was not to injure the young boy.

Hardin termed the case a debate on “parenting decisions” and said Peterson is not guilty of abuse.

Peterson is on the NFL’s exempt/commisioner’s permission list and unable to participate in any team activities with the Vikings, who are paying his full $11.75 million salary during his absence.

Prosecutors are pushing for Peterson to be arrested on bond violations. He posted $15,000 bond but allegedly told a guard during required drug testing that he “smoked a little weed,” which would be in violation of the terms of his release from custody.

Peterson could still be arrested if that violation is confirmed, but only after a hearing on Case’s status has been completed.