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Adrian Peterson expected to be a no-show for Minnesota Vikings OTAs

Adrian Peterson is not expected to join his Minnesota Vikings teammates for voluntary organized team activities this week, reportedly because of an ongoing dispute between the running back and the organization.

Adrian Peterson is not expected to join his Minnesota Vikings teammates for voluntary organized team activities this week, reportedly because of an ongoing dispute between the running back and the organization.

(Wesley Hitt / Getty Images)
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The standoff between Adrian Peterson and the Vikings is expected to continue this week with the running back staying put in Texas while the team gathers for voluntary organized team activities in Minnesota.

Peterson has reportedly informed the Vikings he does not plan on joining the team for voluntary workouts, according to the Associated Press.

While a veteran player’s decision to skip these events isn’t uncommon, Peterson, who is said to be unhappy with the organization, appears willing to take a financial hit and forfeit a $250,000 workout bonus in order to put pressure on the team to give him what he wants. Whatever that may be.

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Minnesota Coach Mike Zimmer told ESPN radio last week “I think I do have an indication” of when Peterson would rejoin the Vikings.

“It’s up to Adrian, really,” Zimmer said. “He’s the guy you should ask. ... We’d like all our players here. It’s the voluntary time of year right now and it’s his decision in what he wants to do.”

In that case, he’s not going anywhere.

Peterson reportedly was unhappy the Vikings didn’t put up a greater fight to get him back on the field last year, when he faced child-abuse charges and was suspended indefinitely by the league. He pleaded no-contest.

After Peterson’s reinstatement from a suspension that cost him 15 games, his agent reportedly pushed for the Vikings to trade the 30-year-old running back before the draft. But a deal for the league’s highest-paid running back never materialized.

Peterson has three years left on his contract and is scheduled to make $12.75 million in 2015, $14.75 million in 2016 and $16.75 million in 2017. None of that money is guaranteed, and that’s now reportedly become a new area of contention between the parties.

Peterson seems to be sending the message he’s willing to go the distance for what he wants -- a trip that, for now, doesn’t include a stop in Minnesota.

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Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme

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