The Minnesota Vikings have been clear in their desire to see that All Pro running back Adrian Peterson returns to the fold.
Peterson, going so far as to deny the Vikings request for dinner at the NFL's Owner Meetings in Phoenix, according to a report from Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports, has continually spelled out his desire to play elsewhere.
This situation does not seem headed for an amicable resolution.
"With the draft a month away, this gathering of so many power brokers under one roof can lead to news on the team level, and Peterson is the one to watch on that front," writes Albert Breer of NFL.com. "He still wants out of Minnesota, according to two sources close to the Vikings tailback, with the presence of Vikings COO Kevin Warren remaining the problem. Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman, coach Mike Zimmer and Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, will all be in Arizona, but Dogra already turned down a meeting with Spielman. As I understand it, the reasoning on the player's side was that the Vikings' decision not to release Peterson leaves the sides with little to discuss."
HNGN passed along a report in February that Warren, recently promoted from executive vice president of legal affairs and chief administrative officer to chief operating officer, was the main target of Peterson's ire with the Vikings organization.
ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that when Peterson talked about people within the Minnesota franchise not supporting him throughout the ordeal of his suspension, he was directly referencing Warren.
"Sources familiar with the case also told Schefter that Warren and the NFL have been working together to make sure Peterson does not return this season," ESPN's report reveals.
If the fact that the Vikings won't release Peterson outright leaves them with "little to discuss" and considering Warren's continued presence and now, even larger role within the organization, it's hard to envision a future in which Peterson and Minnesota are able to reestablish a happy, healthy relationship.
