Adrian Peterson was shown on the sideline Monday night involved in what many speculated was a heated discussion with New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, but the star running back insists that was not the case.
Peterson, who got just four carries in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings, told reporters after the game that there was “no conflict” with Payton. He later added further clarification on Twitter, saying he was only trying to show some passion about wanting to run it down his former team’s throat.
Let's be clear…I said we need to run the ball up their Donkey. Nothing more. I'm passionate but respect my coach at the same time
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) September 12, 2017
The footage shown by ESPN, which the network said was captured late in the first half, wasn’t really conclusive. But to the outside observer, Payton and Peterson didn’t look pleased with one another.
Sean Payton, Adrian Peterson on the sideline pic.twitter.com/MMHfvJ3gcr
— ⓂarcusD (@_MarcusD2_) September 12, 2017
Both Peterson and Payton downplayed the talk of an in-game argument.
There weren’t many teams that wanted to sign Peterson this offseason, and he knew he would be sharing carries with Mark Ingram when he agreed to a deal with New Orleans. He probably expected more than six touches in most games, but the Saints fell behind early and ended up playing catch-up. Payton is known for spreading the ball around and game-planning for specific opponents, so Peterson will get his shot eventually.
As for Monday, Peterson admitted that he felt added motivation going against the Vikings. His frustration probably had more to do with not sticking it to his former team than anything else.
