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

Danny Ferry Audio "Leaked"

((HT: AJC.com/Vivlamore))

Here's the audio from the key passage in the Luol Deng conversation among Atlanta Spirit ownership and President/GM Danny Ferry.

It was "leaked" to the media and the HQ uses the word "leaked" in quotes because we all have a good idea who did the leaking...
Allegedly...
Just so you know... And this also from Vivlamore's piece: Ferry does not say specifically that he is reading from a background report on the available portion of the tape. The rest of the recording, requested during the investigations by both the independent law firm and the NBA, was said to be lost.
That's not good, either...

OSG Prem: Chosen One Slams Chosen Reporter

((HT: London Telegraph))

There are lines...and there are LINES...

Reporters will go to certain lengths to get a story, but the HQ has seen what the European press do to get people to frequent their websites, buy their newspapers, or mention a by-line...

Chelsea is in a battle for the Champions League and manager Jose Mourinho is more than happy to deflect the pressure off his team and be the center of the universe to get maximum results and maximum effect...

Like titles... a lot of them...

But the players have to be HIS players... evidence the benching and dismissal of Juan Mata...

Samuel Eto'o is one of his guys... for now...

But...

Mourinho was caught on camera at a commercial event as he told a businessman: "I have a team but no striker."
He also joked about Eto'o's age: "I have Eto'o but he is 32, maybe even 35."

He didn't apologize for the joke, and instead went after the reporter who leaked the information


Chelsea now faces Galatasaray in the next round of Champions League play...

Hernandez Defense Attorneys Claim Authorities Leaking To Media

((HT: MyFoxBoston))

The defense attorneys for Aaron Hernandez are claiming that local authorities are leaking information to the local media and that may prevent their client from receiving a fair trial in the state of Massachusetts...

They reference the handing of a subpoena to Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey where "local authorities" were listed as sources in the case. They claim it was a violation of the gag order issued by the judge in the case...

The prosecution, of course, denies this...

Here's the latest...
Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

The next pre-trial hearing is set for early February...