Adrian Peterson -- DA Says Tree Branch Whooping Far Exceeds Reasonable Discipline

The Montgomery County DA's office just said Adrian Peterson's decision to whip his child with a tree branch exceeded "reasonable discipline" and that is why he has been indicted for felony child abuse.

The DA says parents are allowed to use discipline -- presumably some physical force -- but it has to be in line with reasonable community standards.

The DA said reports that a grand jury had previously rejected the case are false -- the grand jury that indicted Peterson on Friday is the only to ever hear the case.

The DA says the grand jury heard the case for several weeks before making it's decision.

The stakes are high for Peterson ... if he's convicted of the felony he could serve up to two years behind bars.