Vikings Release Succinct Statement On Adrian Peterson Reinstatement

Whatever Adrian Peterson said to Roger Goodell last week in their meeting, it worked. The NFL has decided to reinstate the running back from the exempt list, bringing an end to his long suspension drama.

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In response to the NFL’s decision, the Vikings released a tellingly succinct statement:

"“The Minnesota Vikings have been informed by the NFL that Adrian Peterson has been reinstated. We look forward to Adrian re-joining the Vikings.”"

In light of all the public back-and-forth that’s gone on between the Vikings’ front office and members of Adrian Peterson’s camp in recent weeks, that statement could be viewed as a classic case of Minnesota passive-aggressiveness.

The statement from the NFL is a little longer and lays out everything Peterson must still do in order to stay out of the doghouse (via PFT):

"“In a letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell, Peterson was informed that he is expected to fulfill his remaining obligations to the authorities in Minnesota and Texas, as well as the additional commitments Peterson made during his April 7 meeting with the commissioner regarding maintaining an ongoing program of counseling and treatment as recommended by medical advisors.“Beyond the requirement to comply with his court obligations and plan of counseling, Peterson was reminded that his continuing participation in the NFL depends on his avoidance of any further conduct that violates the Personal Conduct Policy or other NFL policies. Any further violation of the Personal Conduct Policy by Peterson would result in additional discipline, which could include suspension without pay or banishment from the NFL.”"

The formality of Peterson being reinstated changes very little from the Vikings’ point-of-view. They still have him under contract for the next three years, and are still presumably willing to listen to trade offers, though they would likely have to be blown away in order to seriously pursue a deal.

From Peterson’s perspective, this just means he’s able to participate in team-related activities if he so desires. Vikings offseason conditioning begins April 20 but don’t expect Peterson to show. The real drama starts in June when mandatory minicamp begins. That’s when Peterson could begin being fined for not showing up.

Next: Zimmer Works With Byron Jones (Video)

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