(Update: After removing Peterson's 'modern-day slavery' comment from the story, Yahoo! Sports writer Doug Farrar put it back in the article. Tuesday afternoon, Farrar appeared on WCCO radio to discuss why he used the Peterson comment-then removed the comment-then added it again.)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson hits hard on the field. He also doesn't hold much back off the field when discussing the NFL's current labor situation.
In an interview with
Yahoo! Sports' Doug Farrar, Peterson said this about the current NFL labor situation:
"It's modern-day slavery, you know? People kind of laugh at that, but there are people working at regular jobs who get treated the same way, too. With all the money the owners are trying to get a different percentage, and bring in more money. I understand that; these are business-minded people. Of course this is what they are going to want to do. I understand that; it's how they got to where they are now. But as players, we have to stand our ground and say, 'Hey — without us, there's no football.' There are so many different perspectives from different players, and obviously we're not all on the same page — I don't know. I don't really see this going to where we'll be without football for a long time; there's too much money lost for the owners. Eventually, I feel that we'll get something done."
Farrar followed by asking:
"It seems to most of the players that if the owners had nothing to hide financially, and if the current business model was as unsustainable as they claim, they'd have no trouble opening the books and showing audited profit and loss per team. Is that your impression?"
Peterson responded by saying:
"Exactly! It's like'Well, show us.' We want more information, and they want to bull****, going around, saying this and that, just open it up and give us the information we want. If they have nothing to hide, just give us the information. Why not? Obviously, there's a lot to hide — these guys are professionals, and they're maximizing what they do. But they know that if all this information comes out, the information the players want, it'll be right out there for everyone to see. It's a ripoff — not just for the players, but for the people who work at the concession stands and at the stadiums. The people working at the facilities, you know?"
Peterson went on to talk about what it will take for the Vikings to return to the playoffs:
"We need to make some adjustments. Obviously, I mean, Favre hasn't retired yet! (laughs) You never know! The quarterback situation is up in the air, and some adjustments need to be made there. We need to go out and do a good job of recruiting in free agency (whenever there is free agency) — being some new guys in, patch up some areas, and I feel that with Coach Frazier and the changes he's made, they're all for the better, and they'll help our team in the ways we're hoping for. It's all about having 53 guys that come together, and can get it done with the same goals, and will make sacrificed to accomplish those goals."
"I see so many teams, the Patriots are a perfect example. Tom Bradys the guy everyone knows about, but it's about all the other players — the role-players who, one way or another, will get it done somehow. It's not all about talent, and we were a perfect example of that. Brett Favre at quarterback, me at running back, the offensive line, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin is one of the best athletes I've ever seen. Our defense is always ranked in the top five that shows you that talent doesn't always get it done. So, the changes Coach Frazier has made, new offensive and defensive coordinators, I feel like the mindset those guys bring to the table will be the key we need to get back to that level."
Peterson is in the final year of his contract with the Vikings and is scheduled to make nearly $11 million.
