Adrian Peterson won't pick up the gauntlet thrown down by Vikings coach Mike Zimmer on Wednesday.
After Zimmer made it clear that Peterson's only options are playing in Minnesota or retiring, the star running back gave ground in a statement released through ESPN's Josina Anderson.
"The reason I'm not attending OTAs has nothing to do with wanting to be traded," Peterson said. "It's about securing my future with the Vikings. It's business, not personal and I understand that firsthand. Go Vikings."
Ending the statement with "go Vikings" couldn't be any more of a sign that he does indeed plan to play in Minnesota this season.
Peterson sounds like a player angling for guaranteed money, not one threatening to sit out a portion of the season or walk away from the game.
In which case, it's fair to wonder why sources close to Peterson leaked multiple stories over the weekend claiming that he still wants to be traded to a contender and that his uneasiness with the Vikings has "never been about the money."
As Peterson acknowledges in the statement above, it's about the money.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses the latest news including Ray McDonald's release and the Adrian Peterson drama with the Vikings. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
