‘WITH OPEN ARMS’
Vikings welcome RB Peterson back
SUPERSTAR running back Adrian Peterson rejoined the Vikings on Tuesday for the first time since his image and reputation were stained by a child abuse case nine months ago. The former NFL MVP, participating in organized team activities, admitted that he “learned a lot from my mistake” in the wake of striking his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch last year.
Peterson was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list last September after facing child abuse charges that ultimately cost him the final 15 games of 2014. “I made a mistake,” said Peterson, who apologized to his son and underwent counseling and therapy as part of his no-contest plea agreement. “I know a lot of people don’t view it that way based from what they’ve seen, but ultimately that’s what it was. My son knows that, he knows I love him. And my other kids know the same.”
The incident created a tense environment between the player and team. Peterson, who was reinstated by the league in April, wanted out of Minnesota after he believed that the Vikings didn’t fully support him. His trade demands, however, fell on deaf ears.
Peterson, 30, went on a Twitter tirade last week, blaming the union for the lack of fully guaranteed contracts. His behavior irked much of the social media world, who felt little compassion for a player looking for more guaranteed money in the final two years of his deal.
“I’m definitely not the victim and I haven’t tried to play the victim in this role,” said Peterson, who will make $12.75 million in 2015.
The Vikings had no intention of trading Peterson. A week after head coach Mike Zimmer made it clear that Peterson “(is) not going to play for anybody else” in 2015, he was happy to have his best player back at practice.
“We welcome him with open arms, unequivocally,” Zimmer said. “I’ve always supported him 100% and I will continue to do so as long as he’s with us. Hopefully that’s for a long, long time.” Peterson might have regrets, but he’s ready to move on. “I love all my kids with all my heart,” Peterson said. “I’ll run through a brick wall for them. I’ll jump in front of a car for them. That’s the type of love I have for my kids. . . . A lot of people like to run with negative things. I’m used to that in life, not just in my life, but things that I see in this world. But I’m comfortable with knowing my intentions and I’m comfortable with knowing that my child loves me and he wants to be around me.”