Adrian Peterson continues the process of moving forward following the tragic death of his young son.
The Minnesota Vikings running back told reporters he missed practice Wednesday to attend his son's funeral in South Dakota. Peterson confirmed he learned he was the child's father just two months ago.
The 2-year-old boy was beaten last week by a man who was in a relationship with the child's mother, according to Sioux Falls police. Two days after he was hospitalized, the boy died.
"I was planning on seeing him," Peterson said Thursday, via ESPN.com. "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."
The tragedy has had the side effect of shining a light on Peterson's personal life, including allegations he has fathered as many as seven children.
"People are going to speculate," Peterson said. "They're going to say this and that. I can't let that bother me. I've been too focused on trying to mourn and be there for his mother and take in the loss of my son. I haven't been able to focus on anything else outside of that."
