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

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.