It's Time

It's time to reinstate Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.

Actually, it was time to reinstate Adrian Peterson months ago but "the Goods" Goodell had to make a pathetic statement. He had to show that he was in control of a league running a little wild. He had to make a statement with Peterson when he should have simply been doing his job all along. He didn't reinstate Peterson when he should have so he should do it now so that team and player can start getting ready for 2015. The "suspension" crippled the Vikings in 2014. It shouldn't do the same for a second season.

One of the most annoying aspects of Peterson's excessive "suspension" is the spin put on it by the media. Every single article written on the subject questions Peterson's return to the Vikings. I suppose that sort of drama is a better story for the easily entertained but it hardly embraces fact. Why wouldn't Peterson be carrying the ball for the Vikings next year? Putting him in the backfield with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a dynamite idea. Except for the magical 2009 season with Brett Favre the Vikings have trotted out a bunch of stiffs at quarterback since Peterson was drafted in 2007. In all of Peterson's Vikings days Bridgewater is the only quarterback that has inspired any long term hope in Minnesota. The young quarterback could help make Peterson's next several years his best years. And that's saying a lot. The media honks on about Peterson turning 30 next month and his $15.4 million salary cap hit. Honking that both are reasons for the Vikings to trade their star back. If those are reasons for the Vikings to trade him, why aren't they reasons for a team not to trade for him? That's a puzzle. The excessive "suspension" saved a year of wear on his 30-year old body. He's also not your normal 30-year old man. The manner in which he returned from a brutal knee injury in 2011 is an excellent example of that. When the Vikings signed Peterson to a contract extension a few years ago they knew that he would have a $15.4 million cap hit when he turned 30. I'm not sure why the media thinks that the salary and the age are suddenly some big surprise. The Vikings planned for this. If the Vikings have done anything right in the last 15 years it's managing their salary cap. Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski is a cap-managing maestro. They had no problem with defensive end Jared Allen's ridiculous $17.9 million cap hit in the last year of his contract. The Vikings accounted for it and accepted it despite the media honking that they wouldn't. The same is true for the 30-year-old Peterson and his manageable cap hit. It's only a story because the media made it one.

Beyond the age and the money, the media has honked about whether Peterson and the Vikings even want to continue their relationship. I've never understood where any of that comes from. The only Vikings player, coach, or executive that has said anything negative about Peterson returning is Vice President of Legal Affairs Kevin Warren. He's the "bad guy" among Vikings fans now. Which is a little unfair. Warren's concerns came during the season. Early in the season when the negativity surrounding Peterson was at it's height. His concerns are the concerns that come with his job of managing the Vikings legal issues. Sponsors were wavering, even leaving the Vikings. The person responsible for the Vikings legal concerns should be wary of Peterson's return. I haven't heard if Warren is still whistling the same tune. Everybody on the football side of things has been overwhelmingly positive in a Peterson return. They will welcome him home. They will welcome him with open arms.

Peterson was in a Minnesota courtroom Friday as he and the NFLPA take the legal route to end the ridiculously long "suspension." When he was asked if he wants to return to the Vikings next season, Peterson, "Of course." There you go.

It's time. It's time to end this. The "suspension." And the stupid articles.