It seems turnovers have become a way of life for Vikings Running Back Adrian Peterson. So much so that after a second fumble against the Bears last Sunday, “broadcaster Troy Aikman said that very few coaches in the NFL would have the patience to put up with these turnovers.” And while no football-loving Minnesotan in his right mind would want to see such a valuable player sidelined for long, Vikings Gab writer Adam Warwas suggests that Coach Childress should bench Peterson to teach him a lesson for his irresponsible behavior — after being caught driving 109 mph on Highway 62 in Edina. “Whatever it takes to get him to truly learn his lesson,” writes Warwas, “then that’s what I am willing to see him given as a punishment.”
“I don’t care if you’re the Vikings best player, a good friend of mine, or the freaking President… driving like that is irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous to those around you.”
Thoughts? Should this even be a concern on the field? Or is it just one more indication of the Peterson way?
Skol, Vikings! (Sunday’s game against the Cardinals is already sold out!)
14 Reader Comments
3:09 am
He was able to get up to 109 on 62 in Edina? That’s impressive because I have a hard time maintaining the speed limit on that stretch of 62
5:06 am
No I don’t think he should be benched for the ticket. I do, however, believe he should be for the fumbles. Last weekend I complained on Twitter about them and suggested he be subject to the “Major League treatment”. Everytime he fumbles the ball he owes us 20 pushups. You know, right there in the middle of the field.
6:52 am
Randy Moss was traded for less and he could actually keep the ball in his hands. This guy is a pinhead.
8:55 am
“I don’t care if you’re the Vikings best player, a good friend of mine, or the freaking President… driving like that is irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous to those around you.”
That’s why we have a legal system, you blogger. This is indicative of that crazy notion that the fans and the region somehow own the team. You don’t, so get over it. Wilf needs him to play, he plays.
And in terms of the fumbling, Lou Holtz had a great football analogy on ESPN last night. He would simply tell the players, “that ball you’re carrying is our livelihood. It’s like we sent you with the family’s life savings to deposit it in the bank and you came back home empty handed having having lost it on the way.” I also think you’re going to see (much like this past week) AP used as often for play action as for actual carries. Too much at stake over the next 2 months to have loose balls.
I will say, though, that if I were Brad Childress and I was trying to milk the clock to hold a lead in the late 4th quarter, I would feel a lot more secure if Chet Taylor was in the backfield.
9:13 am
I went last year when the Vikings played @ AZ and it was a blast. Surreal tailgating in a grass parking lot with that bizarre spaceship of a stadium looming in the background.
9:19 am
If the fumbling costs you games, you bench him. (See Steve Slaton of Houston.) However, defenses HAVE to pay attention to him. It is not the same as having Chester Taylor in the backfield. Thus, you NEED him to be back there, and thus you DO NOT BENCH him.
While 109 in a 55 is a bit reckless, he wasn’t drunk or anything. It is a non-issue. There are people who have done that and not been removed from their jobs, why should AP?
9:43 am
LOL @ benching AP.
9:49 am
Great analogy, if only because Houston is model of winning consistency and Steve Slaton is often mentioned in the same breath as Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Gayle Sayers and Barry Sanders.
1:58 pm
What’s wrong with the Associated Press??? What, you think Reuters can do better?
What? Oh. Carry on.
2:15 pm
I mentioned Houston because their starting RB — a one Steve Slaton — was benched because he was fumbling a lot. Not because this Steve Slaton guy is comparable to UPI — er — AP — as in Adrian Peterson or any of the others in that list.
I also would like to add that if Childress benches AP because of the fumbles he is the dumbest coach in the NFL.
2:45 pm
All I can say is obviously I haven’t been asking enough of my car. Last time I got a speeding ticket, I was only going 70.
7:20 pm
Larry Johnson got suspended for using the f-word. Why should threatening the life and limb of those around you not garner a suspension?
Oh yeah, I forgot: Offending people is more insidious than endangering lives.
2:16 pm
I was just surprised that he drives a BMW.
11:53 pm
StarTribune reports that 679 drivers have been ticketed in Minnesota over the last 5 years for topping 100 mph.
http://tinyurl.com/ygt62jp