The drama between the Minnesota Vikings and running back Adrian Peterson shows no signs of letting up. In the latest report, Peterson’s agent, Ben Dogra, got into a “heated verbal altercation” with a front office executive about the veteran back and his status with the team, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
Adrian Peterson’s agent involved in ‘heated exchange’ with Vikings executive, per report
The star running back’s agent put a question mark on Peterson’s future in Minnesota.
Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Dogra reportedly got into a fiery argument at the NFL Combine with Rob Brzezinski, Minnesota’s vice president of football operation, and “made it clear that Peterson would never play there again.” According to the report, it was a very public altercation and had to be broken up by former Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik.
The report comes less than a week after Vikings general manager Rick Spielman praised Peterson and stated the team wanted him to return. However, just two days later, the All-Pro running back said that he’s “still uneasy” about returning to the Vikings because he felt a lack of support from the organization during his 2014 suspension.
A look at things to come?
A look at things to come?
Peterson was indicted for child abuse and later pleaded no contest to charges of reckless injury to his 4-year-old son. He played one game before being suspended for the rest of the season. Peterson still hasn’t been reinstated, and is currently not eligible to do so until April 15. He, along with the NFLPA, are engaged in a battle with the NFL over the discipline taken.
It's a murky situation, especially given that Peterson's NFL future was in doubt around the time of his suspension and he has a rather burdensome contract. Peterson still has three years on his deal and a total of $48 million coming his way if he plays out the full term. The Vikings could save $13 million in cash and against the salary cap in 2015 by releasing him. Despite rumors over the weekend that the Vikings asked him to take a pay cut and that Peterson was seeking a trade to the Dallas Cowboys, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that neither was true.
This altercation at the Combine can’t help a situation that is quickly turning into what looks like the beginning of a messy divorce. Peterson, 29, has spent his entire career with the Vikings since they made him a first-round pick in 2007, and at one point he could claim the title of best running back in the NFL. He’s only dipped below 1,000 yards twice since he was drafted -- when he had 970 yards in 12 games in 2011, and the 75 yards he had in one appearance last season.
If Peterson’s camp really does have “every intention to hasten his trade or release from Minnesota,” the Vikings would be without one of the most talented running backs in the league, albeit one who comes with off-field concerns. Either way, the situation will continue to be a roller coaster until the two sides can come to an agreement about Peterson’s future.
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