Lou Lampson, a family friend of Adrian Peterson and photographer who has documented many important personal events of his life, is willing to testify on his behalf to describe how he's witnessed him as a father.

"I would absolutely do it for him. Not just because he's a friend. Because I know," Lampson told USA TODAY Sports in a recent phone conversation. "I've never seen him be anything but a good parent. He's a stern parent, but his kids listen."

Peterson has fathered at least five children by different women, one of whom lives with him full-time. As a result, Peterson has not been involved in his kids' lives as he would like although he does care for them, according to friends.

"While he can provide for (all his kids) financially, he can't be there for them for other issues and to help raise them," said Steve Eudey, who coached Peterson in youth football, housed him for a year when Peterson's mother moved out of the school district and helped him through the college recruiting process.

"I think it bothers Adrian that he's a part-time dad to these other four kids. He's come to learn even prior to this situation that that type of lifestyle causes a lot of heartache and disappointment."