Adrian Peterson missed practice on Wednesday because he was attending the funeral of his 2-year-old son, who died last week in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Peterson was asked by reporters on Thursday during an open media session at Winter Park if he would speak on the issue.
“It’s an unfortunate situation and I can speakon it. I found out recently that he was my son, like two months ago,” Peterson said. “I was planning on seeing him. I had a talk with his mom and we got some things together as far as financially helping her. Unfortunately this situation took place. It’s devastating. A lot of people won’t ever understand the situation that I’m in and see it the way I’m seeing the situation. It’s tough, but I’m able to deal with that and got a good supporting cast around me that’s been supporting me through this tough time.”
“I’m standing strong, I am,” he said, via the Star Tribune. “My main focus has been on my son and his mother and their family down there in Sioux Falls. I’ve just been trying to wrap my head around things and try to stay focused and play ball as well. Things have been tough, but I can handle a lot. Like I said, I’m built for anything that comes my way. This right here will pass.”
The child’s name was released earlier this week. Tyrese Robert Doohen was pronounced dead last Friday. A 27-year-old man named Joey Patterson has been charged charged with aggravated assault on an infant and aggravated assault.
#Vikings RB Adrian Peterson on mindset: "I don't see myself going downhill. I see myself improving from this."
— Sean K. Jensen (@seankjensen) October 17, 2013
Peterson also addressed claims by various tabloids that he has fathered as many as seven children with multiple women.
Peterson on tabloids: "People are going to speculate. People are going to say this and that. I can't let that bother me." #Vikings
— Aj Mansour (@AjKFAN) October 17, 2013
