Adrian Peterson Says He Doesn’t Want to Be Traded

Hours after Mike Zimmer laid it all out for Adrian Peterson, reminding the star running back that he has a contract with the Vikings and can play for them or play for no one, Peterson released his own statement via ESPN’s Josina Anderson.

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"Statement to me from Adrian Peterson: “The reason I’m not attending OTAs has nothing to do with wanting to be traded. It’s about securing my future with the Vikings. It’s business, not personal and I understand that firsthand. Go Vikings.”"

Wednesday’s explanation was the first definitive public statement by Peterson on the reasons for his recent showdown with the Vikings.

Though Peterson is owed $12.7 million in base salary for 2015, none of that money is guaranteed. The remaining two years of Peterson’s contract are also non-guaranteed.

The public was given the impression Peterson wanted to be traded because his agent Ben Dogra said he wanted to be traded. But Dogra backed off that stance after the draft.

Last year, Peterson touched off a minor controversy when he called Jerry Jones out of the blue and talked about playing for the Dallas Cowboys. Jones had to report the incident to the NFL to avoid tampering charges.

Peterson will reportedly forfeit a $250,000 workout bonus by skipping OTAs. The Vikings can fine him $72,000 if he misses mandatory minicamp in June.

Next: Is Trae Waynes Overrated Garbage?

Adrian Peterson Says He Doesn’t Want to Be Traded

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