Vikings Message Board.Com

dead_poet wrote: I agree with public opinion after the trial will have a bearing on his future in Minnesota. There's a lot of time between now and next season. While the story will be news whenever there are updates, I still think (depending on the outcome), a restructure could take place and steps can be taken to improve his image (public apology, counseling, etc.). I'm not convinced the Wilfs have written him off or he's finished in Purple.

I'm not either, especially because, as Cliff said, the Wilfs are businessmen. Peterson has now given them some great leverage to encourage him to renegotiate his contract, which is just what they needed.

It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Seems that if they weren't open and contemplating keeping him, they would have cut him already.

I have doubts about him doing any big apologizing beyond what he has done if he's found not guilty.

He has shown a stubborn streak when it comes to admitting, publicly, his obvious faults. The fumbling issue comes to mind. He worked hard to correct it but never wanted to admit he had an issue.

So, if he feels a not guilty verdict fully exonerates him.....he might wind up playing somewhere in Texas where public opinion is different on this issue than in the Mid-west.

Perhaps, if found not guilty, they could restructure then trade him?

The Breeze wrote:Seems that if they weren't open and contemplating keeping him, they would have cut him already.

I have doubts about him doing any big apologizing beyond what he has done if he's found not guilty.

He has shown a stubborn streak when it comes to admitting, publicly, his obvious faults. The fumbling issue comes to mind. He worked hard to correct it but never wanted to admit he had an issue.

So, if he feels a not guilty verdict fully exonerates him.....he might wind up playing somewhere in Texas where public opinion is different on this issue than in the Mid-west.

Perhaps, if found not guilty, they could restructure then trade him?

I wish that they could trade him for Murray (Cowboys) or Foster (Houston). Preferably Houston.

Trial is resolved early as we're in the midst of the playoff race, Adrian returns and carries us in.

Purple bruise wrote:I wish that they could trade him for Murray (Cowboys) or Foster (Houston). Preferably Houston.

I do, too.

But if Jerry Jones trades Murray, who's an early MVP candidate, he's even dumber than I thought.

Don't think I'd want Foster. He seems to be breaking down.

AP is going for a trial. No plea deal. That being said, a jury in TX could very easily side with him and let him walk free. If that happens the NFL has a big problem on their hands. First, we know they can suspend him because they did it to Big Ben. However, what do they use for the suspension? Do they use the illegally leaked Grand Jury information and pictures? Technically none of that should be out in the open, and because it involves a child, none of it would have been released after the trial. Using this information will only encourage more people to leak information like this in the future of for NFL players. Or, do they not use it and run the risk of ticking off sponsors? Either way, it is a no win situation for the NFL.

There was interesting court analysis from Charles Robinson of Yahoo. He indicated that even in Texas there are very different opinions on corporal punishment or whether this was child abuse such as West vs. East, affluent vs. lower socioeconomic status, etc. The trial will be taking place in a majority white, affluent area and the jury could come to a very different conclusion than one in another part of the state.

http://www.1500espn.com/pages/sportswire.php?aID=4624

Raptorman wrote:AP is going for a trial. No plea deal. That being said, a jury in TX could very easily side with him and let him walk free. If that happens the NFL has a big problem on their hands. First, we know they can suspend him because they did it to Big Ben. However, what do they use for the suspension? Do they use the illegally leaked Grand Jury information and pictures? Technically none of that should be out in the open, and because it involves a child, none of it would have been released after the trial. Using this information will only encourage more people to leak information like this in the future of for NFL players. Or, do they not use it and run the risk of ticking off sponsors? Either way, it is a no win situation for the NFL.

Good points.

Another aspect is that if AP is found not guilty, will he then see that verdict as justification for his actions? I know he says he's learned, but those have all been prepared statements.

And if he's found guilty, then the Vikings have paid him a million a week for absolutely no reason.

It's all just so distasteful to me. And disappointing. AP has given us so many thrills. He's been one of my favorite players ever, and I've seen a lot of Vikings players since 1969. I hate that his Vikings career is ending this way, but I feel badly for myself that I won't get to see him do his thing anymore -- I DO NOT feel badly for him.

I would love to see him play again, but this is the first time where I've started believing he won't be around next year. Until now, I always thought he would resolve the case and restructure his contract, but I'm starting to believe that he's just not making it back to Minnesota.

It's a shame too...I'm sure he's keeping in great shape, and next year he will have the benefit of having an entire year to heal old injuries. I'd put a lot of money on him being the best in the league next year.

J. Kapp 11 wrote: I do, too.

But if Jerry Jones trades Murray, who's an early MVP candidate, he's even dumber than I thought.

Don't think I'd want Foster. He seems to be breaking down.

If they had made the offer when I suggested it before all this happened.

But at that point AD was a perfect angel and well rounded HB that would lead us to many rings for years to come.

This is why the Cowboys have multiple rings, and the Vikings had Hershel Walker.
Just haaad to keep our only valuable asset so we could put his face on the side of the new stadium. Jimmy Johnson would have traded him after his big year, and built a damn TEAM.

Demi wrote: If they had made the offer when I suggested it before all this happened.

But at that point AD was a perfect angel and well rounded HB that would lead us to many rings for years to come.

This is why the Cowboys have multiple rings, and the Vikings had Hershel Walker.
Just haaad to keep our only valuable asset so we could put his face on the side of the new stadium. Jimmy Johnson would have traded him after his big year, and built a damn TEAM.

I can't agree with any of this. You are bringing up the Walker trade again? That has already recently been dredged up and is another topic. (something else Viking related to complain about though ) Different owners and a different era. No one could/would/should have traded AD, in his prime. He was the best offensive player in the league. This year, before the trouble surfaced, you are looking at a nearly 30 year old with a huge contract what could they have gotten for him?
As I suggest, maybe the Cowboys and Jerry's love for AD and Murray's contract( for a huge raise) coming up perhaps they would entertain a trade.

Love your 20/20 take though...should have would have.

How is something 20/20 when you say it at the time?

You are bringing up the Walker trade again? That has already recently been dredged up and is another topic.

Because it was the 25th anniversary.
Rebuilding team traded their best player to try and help the rebuild, what we should have done.

As far as the Cowboys, what have they done in nearly a decade?

Same as the Vikings.

Demi wrote: How is something 20/20 when you say it at the time?
Because it was the 25th anniversary.
Rebuilding team traded their best player to try and help the rebuild, what we should have done.
Same as the Vikings.

Again, thirty year old running back with the huge contract, what could have the Vikes gotten for him compared to what he meant to this franchise before his stupid actions came to the forefront?
It could have been pretty interesting/dynamic what this offense would be capable of with TB at the helm and AD in the backfield

The cowboys have spent triple the money then our vikes and acomplished next to nothing for over a decade!!