A report from NFL Combine makes it appear that the relationship between Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings is deteriorating.
Sources told Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports the relationship is crumbling with the latest example coming in the form of a heated exchange between a Vikings official and Peterson’s agent Ben Dogra.
Heated exchange between Adrian Peterson's agent and Vikings official at combine latest sign his exit may be looming: http://t.co/4MqDZKwBvS
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 23, 2015
La Canfora notes:
“According to sources, Dogra engaged in a heated exchange with Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski during which the agent made it clear that Peterson would never play there again. The incident took place during a time when outside parties were in the vicinity. Finally, former Tampa Bay general manager Mark Dominik intervened, separating the men and diffusing the escalating tension, sources said.”
ESPN’s Ben Goessling writes that Dogra’s confrontation with Brzezinski wasn’t his only feud with a Vikings official at the combine.
Peterson’s father: Adrian is open to returning
Nelson Peterson, Adrian’s father, informed the Pioneer Press that Peterson is in no way against returning to Minnesota.
“He is open to returning to the Vikings,’’ Nelson Peterson told Chris Tomasson. “He hasn’t closed the door on saying, ‘I won’t play for the Vikings.’ He hasn’t demanded a trade.’’
Peterson's dad said he didn't know about an exchange between Dogra and Brzezinski, but source confirms heated argument did take place.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) February 23, 2015
Contradicting reports
A Bleacher Report story surfaced on Sunday saying Peterson wanted to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys, but other reports indicated that no discussions had taken place.
Peterson is under contract with the Vikings through 2017 and is set to make nearly $13 million in 2015. He told ESPN last week that he is still “uneasy” about returning to Minnesota.
Peterson ran for 75 yards in the Vikings season-opening victory over St. Louis, but did not play again after he was indicted on child abuse charges in Texas.
According to La Canfora’s report, Peterson lost faith and trust in the franchise after he was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, while the legal situation played out.
“He will never play another game for the Vikings,” a source close to Peterson told La Canfora. “It’s over.”
As I said yesterday, this could be an ugly divorce. http://t.co/6DF7x5Fcxr
— Judd Zulgad (@jzulgad) February 23, 2015
Neither the Vikings nor Dogra replied to requests for comment to CBS.
Vikings officials said last week they’d welcome Peterson back, General Manager Rick Spielman said he “expects” him back, but wouldn’t comment on Peterson’s contract.
This isn’t likely the last we’ve heard on Peterson’s future with the Vikings.
