Developing: Adrian Peterson Suspended for Rest of NFL Season

It appears the 2014 season will be a total loss for Adrian Peterson.

Word is circulating that the Minnesota Vikings star running back has been told he will be suspended without pay for at least the remainder of this football season by the NFL.

Peterson has already missed 8 weeks while on the voluntary "Suspended With Pay Exemption" list after facing charges that he beat his 4-year old son with a switch.

He (Peterson), got a plea deal in that case and was not looking at any jail time. The NFL also told Peterson that any other violations of the "Personal Conduct Policy" could subject him to banishment from the NFL.

According to reports, if Peterson decides to appeal the decision, he will remain on the "Exempt" list during that time.

He has three days to decide whether to file that appeal.

UPDATED--

The NFLPA did not wait, going immediately on record stating they will file an appeal on Peterson's behalf.

Also--the NFL and the Jolly Roger himself sent a letter to Peterson stating several terms of his potential reinstatement, which would not happen before April of 2015.

Among them:

---Peterson will be enrolled in counseling and treatment programs assigned by the league

Also, he explained the reasoning behind the decision which included:

---The use of the switch, which in the eyes of the league constituted a weapon.
---Inflicting injury on a child
---And the lack of meaningful remorse over what happened.

This should all be dealt with, one way or the other by the end of this week. With the 3-day limit on the appeal, we would anticipate the appeal would be heard very quickly.

As for what the NFL will do, well, they've already made that obvious.

Former Vikings Safety Dies from ALS at 42

((ht: vikings.com))

Former Minnesota Vikings player Orlando Thomas passed away from ALS Sunday night at the age of 42.

Thomas, who played with the Vikings for 7 years after attending the now Louisiana-Lafayette, started in the league in 1995, he led the NFL with 9 interceptions that season.

He retired from the team after the 2001 season ended

Thomas was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 and fought a long and valiant battle with the disease. His agent, Mark Bartelstein said Thomas was down to 70lbs when he passed away.

The Vikings released a statement on the team website:

“The Vikings are deeply saddened by the loss of Orlando Thomas. Orlando was an outstanding player for the Vikings for seven years, but more importantly, he represented the franchise and the state of Minnesota with the utmost dignity and class. While his outgoing personality made him a favorite among his teammates, Orlando’s involvement in the community made him a favorite outside of Winter Park.
“Since 2007, Orlando fought this disease with tenacity and optimism. Throughout his difficult battle, he refused to allow ALS to define him, instead putting others’ needs in front of his and focusing on making those around him smile.
“Orlando will always remain a member of the Minnesota Vikings family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Demetra and their family.”

The folks at ESPN discuss Thomas:

Reports: Adrian Peterson to Plead No Contest; Avoid Jail Time--UPDATED

((ht: profootballtalk.com))

Well, it appears that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is going to avoid jail time on his felony child abuse charges.

Pro Football Talk and other outlets are reporting that Peterson and his attorney Rusty Hardin have reached agreement with a Montgomery County, Texas court. The agreement will call for Peterson to plead no contest to a count of misdemeanor reckless assault pending judicial approval.

It (the plea) will include a reference to family violence and/or violence against a minor. If it is accepted by the Judge overseeing the case, Peterson will pay a $2,000 fine, be put on probation and required to serve 80 hours of community service.

And since it means Peterson won't go to jail, it puts the ball squarely in the court of the NFL and the Vikings. The star running back has already sat for 8 games. Would the NFL give him more time?

The rumble of this case has quieted considerably, the guess is Peterson will be reinstated.

The Vikings are off this upcoming week, which would be perfect for the team. Though rookies Matt Asiata and Jerrick McKinnon have filled in admirably.

More to come if or when things become official---

Update:

Things are official.

Judge Kelly Case accepted the agreed upon terms:

--Peterson't charge will be reckless assault

--He (the judge) won't adjudicate the case for two years

--Peterson pays a $4,000 fine

--Peterson puts in 80 hours of community service time...

After the hearing Tuesday afternoon, Peterson made a statement, telling the assembled massed; "I truly regret this incident. I take full responsibility for my actions. I love my son more than any one of you can imagine and I'm anxious to continue my relationship with my child"

NFL---Your serve...

--

The Ponders: Just Good People

((HT: WCCO-TV))

A grieving family is out on a shopping trip to get their minds off losing a wife and mother...

They go into their favorite store, see a local sports star and his wife, get a picture, and you think that's just a nice thing to do.

But Sam and Christian Ponder went a step further to reach out...

John Lauritsen takes over from there...


Like the HQ said: Just good people...

AP May Be In Jail All Day... Again...

((HT: MyFoxHouston))

Montgomery County (TX) prosecutors have filed documents to have Adrian Peterson arrested again after he admitted to using drugs in violation of his bond condition.

Which really wasn't all that a smart idea...

Court records show while giving his urine sample during his court appearance earlier this week, Peterson admitted he had 'smoked a little weed' before the test.

As a result, the District Attorney's office has asked the judge in the case to set aside the $15,000 bond already forfeited in the case they're facing and have him arrested again.

Here's the motion by prosecutors to revoke the bond if you choose to view it

Rusty Hardin, Peterson's attorney, hasn't come forward to comment so far.

Which is news in and of itself...

DA Brett Ligon said he wants Judge Kelly Case recused after the she called each lead attorney in the case a "media whore."
Case apologized, saying the comment was meant as a joke. The remark was made after the attorneys wanted something along the lines of an expedited trial.

Hardin wanted something before Thanksgiving- which was denied. And it may be after the first of the year before the trial actually gets underway. It could be after Thanksgiving if the judge isn't bumped.

So, obviously, the timetable is still in play to get everyone into a courtroom...

Here's the story from the court where the judge misspoke...

And The Vikings Continue To Say Everything By Doing Nothing (UPDATED W/Reax)

((HT: KARE-TV))

Let's face it...

NFL owners only want to hide behind their underlings in cases of perpetual dumpster fires...

Like what's going on in Minnesota with the Vikings...

Early this morning, the team without a whole lot of fanfare, decided to put Adrian Peterson on something called the "exempt" list until his legal problems are taken care of in Texas.

This morning, local time, the Wilfs, GM Rick Spielman, and Vikings legal counsel Kevin Warren almost answered questions with the local media. Their mantra seemed to be "just wanting to move on" instead of answering about the lack of response and waffling when the team did respond to what was going on in Peterson's personal life.

Here's the presser in its entirety...
The HQ knows of three other cases involving Vikings players where the team took immediate disciplinary action- none of them were of the star power of Peterson- which speaks volumes to the lack of enforcement (and consistent enforcement). Zygi Wilf read a statement and took no questions... The HQ remains stunned... Immediately after the presser aired, Adam Schein went off (like most sports talk hosts around the country, the HQ is sure) on his "Schein on Sports" program on Mad Dog Sports Radio ((HT: SiriusXM/Mad Dog Sports Radio))

And, Now, AP Is "Exempt..." Until Further Notice

((HT: KMSP-TV))

Nothing like a middle of the night missive...

The Wilf's have decided to go against their previous team decision and now have placed Adrian Peterson on a Commissioner's Exempt List- which the HQ thinks only Michael Vick was on previously.

AP has been "asked," "encouraged," or whatever verb you can pick for this situation to stay away from all Vikings team activities until further notice- when his legal issues are taken care of through legal channels.

Here's the morning news- or the "middle of the night" news...


The Wilfs made the decision to avoid any kind of exposure in front of cameras until they could control the situation for their own benefit- translation: a press conference where they may or may not show up themselves and can have GM Rick Spielman defend an undefendable position.

A press conference is set for later this morning and we'll update you then...

Big Sponsors Now Voicing Displeasure Over Peterson's Status

((HT: MyFoxTwinCities/ESPN))

This is getting escalated quickly...

Big-name Minnesota Vikings sponsors and public figures are voicing their displeasure with the Adrian Peterson situation and the idea that Peterson will play this weekend against New Orleans. Radisson Hotels is suspending its sponsorship of the team and the governor is getting his two cents in.

Of course, it was the lead at 5:00
KMSP-TV

Here's Governor Dayton's statement in full:

"It is an awful situation. Yes, Mr. Peterson is entitled to due process and should be "innocent until proven guilty." However, he is a public figure; and his actions, as described, are a public embarrassment to the Vikings organization and the State of Minnesota. Whipping a child to the extent of visible wounds, as has been alleged, should not be tolerated in our state. Therefore, I believe the team should suspend Mr. Peterson, until the accusations of child abuse have been resolved by the criminal justice system. However, I will not turn my back on the Vikings and their fans, as some have suggested. The Vikings belong to Minnesota – and in Minnesota. This has been the team's only home; and our citizens, including myself, have been its most dedicated fans."

And KO is still on the forefront to keep 28 from playing for the near future- dropping another pipe bomb

Your Daily Keith Olbermann Rant On AP And The Vikes

((HT: ESPN/Olbermann))

This opening rant was so incisive that the network cut it in two...
Both parts are electric...


And the HQ reminds everyone that KO hasn't been this fired up since he was on Bush 43's daily messes...


He's on a roll and we'll keep posting as long as he is on fire...

DEVELOPING: Another Child Abuse Accusation Involving AP (UPDATE: Now Adding A Question Mark)

((HT: KHOU-TV))

And this doesn't look good...

Another four-year-old who Adrian Peterson has fathered with a different woman than the one currently involved in the Montgomery County, Texas abuse investigation has come forward to say that there may be another abuse case involving the star running back.

We're just going to turn it over to the folks in Houston to explain this one
Rusty Hardin is, apparently, out of the country and was searching for an extension in the court date scheduled for the initial arraignment. The HQ is thinking that he is going to want to combine both and push them back as far as humanly possible... Josina Anderson, through her Twitter feed, got an answer to that story from Rusty Hardin: The allegation of another investigation into Adrian Peterson is simply not true. This is not a new allegation, it's one that is unsubstantiated and was shopped around to authorities in two states over a year ago and nothing came of it. An adult witness adamantly insists Adrian did nothing inappropriate with his son. There is no ongoing or new investigation.

DEVELOPING: AP Expecting To Play Next Week (Updated w/Statement)

The Minnesota Vikings thought long and hard about it and it looks like they're waiting for that whole "due process" thing to take care of itself before trying to distance themselves from Adrian Peterson.

Here's their thoughts in entirety:

“Today’s decision was made after significant thought, discussion and consideration. As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday’s game, this is clearly a very important issue. On Friday, we felt it was in the best interests of the organization to step back, evaluate the situation, and not rush to judgment given the seriousness of this matter. At that time, we made the decision that we felt was best for the Vikings and all parties involved.

To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child. At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action. This is a difficult path to navigate, and our focus is on doing the right thing. Currently we believe we are at a juncture where the most appropriate next step is to allow the judicial process to move forward.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support Adrian’s fulfillment of his legal responsibilities throughout this process.”

Peterson himself released a statement which said in part:

"I want everyone to understand how sorry I feel about the hurt I caused my child". He also said; "I never imagined being in a position where the world is judging my parenting skills or calling me a child abuser because of the discipline I administered to my son."

Next up for Minnesota is New Orleans: a must-win for both teams, really...

Peterson is slated to make his first appearance in a Conroe, Texas courtroom on Wednesday. Though his attorney, Rusty Hardin is trying to get that delayed since he is out of the country.

Prosecutors are going to chase after the individual or individuals who leaked the photos and case documents. Montgomery County prosecutor Phil Grant says investigations of child abuse are confidential and a leak of information can get the guilty party up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Here's team coverage of Peterson's absence from MyFoxTwinCities
KMSP-TV

NFL's Worst Week Ever: ESPN's Cris Carter With Powerful Statement

((ht: espn.com))

Bravo to ESPN this Sunday morning. In the midst of the worst PR week in the history of the NFL, the 4-Letter showed and allowed their bevy of former players and analysts the opportunity to speak from the heart about the issues of the week.

And some of them made incredibly strong and powerful statements.

None more so than former Minnesota Vikings receiver and current NFL analyst Cris Carter who spoke about his upbringing and why hitting a child is wrong.

Carter spoke eloquently about the Adrian Peterson issue,  how times have changed and while most of us of a certain age were struck with a variety of things while children, the fact that it happened doesn't necessarily make it right.

He also spoke out about Ray Rice and the discipline issues that the NFL is failing to control.

Developing: Adrian Peterson Indicted on Injury to a Child Charge (Updates)

((ht: @JayGlazer))

Rut roh...

The Minnesota Vikings may be without their star Running Back on Sunday.

All-Pro Adrian Peterson appears be getting indicted on charges of Injuring a Child by a North Montgomery County, Texas Grand Jury.

Texas law enforcement handing down indictment today on Vikings RB Adrian Peterson on charges of injury to a ... http://t.co/pZ7CPYsBfb
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) September 12, 2014

FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer says Peterson will apparently have to turn himself in and may not be able to play this weekend for the Vikes.

It appears this is unrelated to the incident last year in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where the child he had with a woman he had no involvement with died, rather something that happened earlier this summer north of Houston.

More when we know more..

Here's a little more from NFL Network's Ian Rappaport:

Arrest of Adrian Peterson (reported by @MarkBermanFox26) stems from the disciplining of a son with a switch, source says. He’s been indicted
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2014

Photo of Injuries/Ctsy Houston Police Dept

It appears the son in question was 4-years old. However, there's still many details missing. Some reports say the child was a son visiting him from Minnesota back in May. The injuries weren't reported until after the kid came home.

All in all it sounds messy. At some point Peterson will need to appear in a court room and post bond. We don't know yet when that will be.

And the latest (6:05pm edt) from WCCO-TV in Minneapolis.

It appears the boy had multiple lacerations and visible injuries. He told his mother that he'd been hit with some sort of tree branch. That's when the legal proceeding appear to have begun..

Update--7:15pm: The Vikings have deactivated Peterson for their upcoming game.

Kluwe And Vikes Settle Lawsuit

((HT: KARE-TV))

Former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe has settled his discrimination lawsuit against his former employer over his release.

Kluwe maintained that his opinions and his support for gay marriage along with the alleged behavior of special teams coordinator Mike Priefer toward Kluwe that included the use of gay slurs during practice got him released.

The Vikings are now donating to LGBTQ charities, enacting a zero tolerance policy within the franchise, and enlisting in sensitivity training as part of the settlement.

Here's the wrap on the lawsuit
"Our focus remains on maintaining a culture of tolerance, inclusion and respect, and creating the best workplace environment for our players, coaches and staff," Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf said in a statement released during Kluwe's news conference. "As a family we have long-supported equal rights causes, including marriage equality," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf in a statement. "We are glad a resolution of this matter has been reached, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to create positive awareness of these issues."

Kluwe, Vikings Reach Reported Discrimination Settlement

((HT: KARE-TV))

The attorney for former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe says that he, his client, and the team have reached a settlement over alleged discrimination while Kluwe was on the active roster. Kluwe accused the Vikings, initially, of cutting him because of his views and his vocal demeanor over them.

Kluwe said he was suing the team over their lack of handling the alleged discriminatory behavior by special teams coach Mike Priefer. Priefer allegedly used anti-gay slurs in his coaching demeanor. The Vikings suspended Priefer for three games and made a donation to local gay advocacy groups as an initial response to Kluwe and attorney Clayton Halunen's public claims.

Halunen says that the settlement will be discussed early next week.

Lawmakers in the state of Minnesota wanted a harsher penalty for Priefer's alleged actions and it will be interesting to see if anything happens above and beyond what is currently on the table.

Vikes Priefer Suspended, Kluwe Still Looks To Sue

((HT: KSTP-TV))

Let's just say it got real in the Twin Cities with the Chris Kluwe-Mike Priefer allegations and investigations.

The Minnesota Vikings held their own investigation and have now suspended special teams coach Mike Priefer for three games- two if he successfully completes sensitivity training. Priefer, apparently, has been found out for lying about his involvement in the case from the beginning. He initially denied saying what he did to Vikings players, but has now come out admitting he said disparaging comments toward gays.

But the Vikings only say that Priefer said that kind of comment on one occasion.

Here's a quick look at the Vikes investigation


Kluwe is still planning to sue the Vikings on four separate charges next week- religious and sexual orientation discrimination, defamation and intentional interference with contractual negotiations.

He took to Twitter to drop a series of pipe bombs last night when the Vikes released their report. The comments included (and are mandatory reading, by the way):

Oooh, shall we talk about the time two very well known Vikings players were caught in a compromising situation with an underage girl?

Don't worry folks, you'll know when I'm on tilt. The Vikings clearly think turning this dirty will scare me off. Says all you need to know.

Also interesting how so many are willing to follow the Vikings' false lead with the leak about me, and not the admission of Priefer's guilt.

Interesting stat of the night. In a 29 page report, 3 pages deal with the actual subject.

Here's the paperwork from the Vikings
((HT: Deadspin))

Kluwe Investigation

Kluwe Suing Vikes Over Info Not Shared In Priefer Investigation

((HT: MyFoxTwinCities))

Former Vikings punter Chris Kluwe thinks he has "no recourse" but to sue his old employer since he and his attorney, Clayton Halunen, are saying the team never shared the information of their own investigation around slurs allegedly said by special teams coach Mike Priefer.

Here's part of the presser involving Halunen and Kluwe discussing their lack of options...


A lawsuit hasn't been filed yet, but Halunen and Kluwe are debating either state or federal court. Halunen says Kluwe has grounds to sue the team for "religious and sexual orientation discrimination, defamation and intentional interference with contractual negotiations."

In return, the Vikings released the following statement on the matter:

Since Chris Kluwe’s allegations first appeared in Deadspin on January 2, 2014, the Minnesota Vikings have taken them very seriously, which is why the team immediately retained former Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Eric Magnuson and former U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Chris Madel, two partners of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, L.L.P. (RKMC), to perform an independent review of these allegations. Magnuson and Madel were asked to thoroughly and comprehensively investigate three particular allegations by Kluwe and Kluwe’s counsel:

1) Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer made offensive and insensitive remarks in Kluwe’s presence.
2) Representatives of the Vikings had knowledge of these comments prior to the Deadspin article publication on January 2, 2014.
3) Kluwe’s activism was the reason for his release from the Vikings on May 6, 2013.

Magnuson, Madel and others spent nearly six months conducting an exhaustive investigation. After the Vikings were given the investigative materials from Magnuson and Madel, in order to further maintain objectivity and integrity, the team engaged a nationally-prominent law firm – Littler Mendelson P.C. – to evaluate employment law matters and provide findings and recommendations to the Vikings. Those recommendations are to be provided to the team this week.
As Magnuson and Madel confirmed today, the Vikings have never made or broken promises as Kluwe and his attorney Clayton Halunen have claimed. The Vikings have also never engaged in the various comments that Kluwe and Halunen have provided to the media over the past six months. This Thursday, July 17, the team has a meeting scheduled between Halunen and Vikings attorneys to discuss next steps.

As we have consistently communicated throughout this process, the Vikings will have further comment when the investigation is entirely complete and the team has made determinations on next steps.

Vikes Greenway Saves Two In Lake

((HT: KARE-TV))

This story has two fronts to it...

One is what can happen when you're out in the field shooting one story when the world changes in front of you

The other is that you never know who can show up to help out in a situation...

Rena Sarigianopoulous was at Lake Minnetonka to see both happen...

Super Bowl 52 Goes to Twin Cities

((HT: KFAN Radio))

The town and the Vikings ownership group used this video to court the National Football League for a January-February football game


Indianapolis was knocked out on the first vote and Minneapolis beat out New Orleans for the Roman Numeral Classic
((HT: KARE-TV))
"On behalf of all Minnesotans, I want to thank Co-Chairs Doug Baker, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, and Richard Davis, and the Minnesota Vikings, for their superb and successful efforts to bring the 2018 Super Bowl to Minnesota," Gov. Mark Dayton said in a statement. "Hosting the Super Bowl will provide a terrific opportunity to showcase Minnesota to the world. It will also bring major economic benefits to our state."
The Vikings will play outdoors on the University of Minnesota campus for the next two seasons while the new barn is being built. The 2016 season will be the first in the new building for the Vikes. Houston, the new San Francisco stadium, and Arizona will be in play before Minnesota.

And, now, Atlanta is on the want and on the clock for the 2019 game...

Arizona Adds to List of Darren Sharper Rape Charges

((ht: theneworleansadvocate.com))

Okay, so former NFL All-Pro Safety Darren Sharper is now facing charges in two states, is about to be indicted in a third state and is under investigation in two more.

The second state to officially charge the former New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers safety is Arizona. According to reports, a Tempe, Arizona (Maricopa County) Grand Jury indicted Sharper on two counts of sexual assault and three counts of administering a dangerous drug.

He's been accused of drugging then raping women in Tempe. He's been indicted in Los Angeles on similar charges and had been out on bond there until a warrant was taken for his arrest in New Orleans---again for similar charges. New Orleans officials expect to present their case for an indictment when their Grand Jury meets on Thursday. No word though when that indictment would be handed down.

And...did we mention he's being investigated in Las Vegas and Miami Beach?

Read about today's indictment in Arizona from the New Orleans Advocate RIGHT HERE

The challenge now appears to be who gets Sharper in court first. He appeared in Los Angeles because they were the 1st to charge him. And he had been released on a $1 million bond as long as he stayed there. That changed after the warrant was issued in New Orleans, he's been in an L.A County jail since.

While Sharper's attorney maintains his clients innocence, the appearance here is that of a serial rapist. His attorney's in all the case say Sharper will be exonerated, though it appears the pattern in each case is frighteningly similar.

We'll keep monitoring this story because we're guessing it's nowhere near over.