It seems All Pro running back Adrian Peterson's desire to no longer remain a member of the Minnesota Vikings franchise has not diminished with the passing of free agency, the draft and the beginning of voluntary offseason work.
Peterson, per a recent report from Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, will be skipping Vikings OTAs with the hopes of getting a very clear message across.
"When Adrian Peterson skips this week's organized team activities for the Minnesota Vikings, he will attempt to send an unmistakable message to the franchise: He wants to be traded," writes Robinson.
"That's what a source within the star running back's inner circle told Yahoo Sports on Sunday night. Despite months of overtures by the Vikings, Peterson has not wavered privately about his wish to continue his career with another franchise. Indeed, the source said Peterson believes he already made ownership and the Vikings' front office aware that he wanted a trade in face-to-face meetings this offseason."
Vikings GM Rick Spielman, along with team owner Mark Wilf and head coach Mike Zimmer, have been adamant since the entire child abuse saga began that they intend on seeing Peterson, 30, remain a member of the NFL's Minnesota-based franchise.
Per Robinson, a number of issues are pushing Peterson's desire to play football elsewhere next season - the need for a fresh start, the perceived lack of backing publicly from the franchise during his suspension, a difficult relationship with the recently promoted Kevin Warren and the coverage of local media throughout.
ESPN also reported early Monday that Peterson had already informed Zimmer that he won't be attending the team's OTAs.
"The Minnesota Vikings will open their optional team practices this week without Adrian Peterson, a source confirmed to ESPN.com's Ben Goessling.
"The news was reported earlier Sunday by The Associated Press, which cited a source as saying the star running back told coach Mike Zimmer that he will not attend the three days of team work that begin Tuesday."
Peterson will lose $250,000 in workout bonuses if he follows through on his plan, but it will barely put a dent in his $12.75 million salary for next season.
Peterson has skipped the voluntary workouts in the past, though he was present for them last season.
