Peterson defends himself
Adrian Peterson took to Twitter on Thursday to express his frustration over criticism he is receiving while staying away from the voluntary portion of Minnesota Vikings’ offseason.
The 2012 NFL MVP has come under scrutiny from fans after saying he wanted a long- term commitment from the team despite the fact that he missed most of last season while addressing child- abuse charges. He has three years and about $ 46 million left on his deal, but none of that is guaranteed.
“A ( little) crazy how one side has so much power that they can do as they please when it come to the contract!” Peterson tweeted. “But when the other- side ( player’s) feels for whatever reason! Family, Change of scenery or simply — what they feels just might work best for them! Those same laws don’t apply!”
Peterson skipped the first three- day set of optional practices this week. It was initially believed that Peterson was still upset with the Vikings for a perceived lack of support while he went through his legal problems last year that culminated in pleading guilty to a misdemeanor for striking his 4- year- old son with a wooden switch.
Head coach Mike Zimmer said Wednesday that Peterson had two choices: play for the Vikings or not play at all.
Denver left tackle Ryan Clady tore his left ACL during a voluntary practice Wednesday and probably will miss the season.
The Jets released quarterback Matt Simms, who backed up starter Geno Smith the past two seasons. Simms, the son of broadcaster and former Giants quarterback Phil Simms, became expendable when the Jets drafted Baylor’s Bryce Petty in the fourth round this month.
The Jaguars say Dante Fowler underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. Fowler, the team’s top pick in this year’s draft, will miss the 2015 season. The defensive end was hurt on the first day of rookie mini- camp, May 8.
San Jose State will be a host practice site for one of the two teams competing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 50, the school announced. The Super Bowl is Feb. 7 at Levi’s Stadium. College softball: Bianka Bell and Kellsi Kloss hit home runs to help LSU beat Auburn 6- 1 on the opening day of the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
LSU will play defending champion Florida on Friday in a winners’ bracket game. Florida opened with a 7- 2 victory over Tennessee. Auburn will play the Vols on Saturday in an elimination game.
In a night game, Lauren Sweet hit a grand slam as Michigan beat Alabama 5- 0. The Wolverines will meet UCLA, a 7- 1 winner over Oregon, in a winners’ bracket game Friday. Oregon and Alabama will play in an elimination game Saturday. WNBA: The New York Liberty waived Stanford alum Amber Orrange, their second- round pick in this year’s draft, and center Shanece McKinney.
In two preseason games, Orrange, a three- time All- Pac 12 pick with the Cardinal, went 0- for- 3 from the field and committed seven turnovers in 12 minutes. Colleges: Chris Mullin will report to a new athletic director at St. John’s.
Chris Monasch has resigned after 10 years as St. John’s athletic director. The move comes about two months after St. John’s and men’s basketball coach Steve Lavin, a Monasch hire in 2010, agreed to part ways. Mullin, the former Warriors swingman considered the best player in St. John’s history, was hired to replace Lavin on April 1.