Adrian Peterson threatening retirement

[Rogah]

To this point they have both fulfilled their ends of the deal. However Minnesota plans to weasel out of the deal before it is up.

How is choosing not to exercise an option (and that's essentially what this deal is for the final couple years) "weaseling out of the deal"? AFAIK, they never made a statement, implied or otherwise, whereby they promised to exercise those options. It was always something they could choose to do, choose not to do, and make that choice at the last moment.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I don't think MINN really wants him back. It is hard to let a HoF caliber back walk for nothing, but they tried to trade him and got no calls.

He has given them the perfect opportunity to walk away and the fans that do want him will understand.

I believe he really wants to play for Dallas and Dallas only. Look at our OL for chrissakes. He would have to take a lot less to come to Dallas, but he has made over 40m the last 4 years.

I have no clue what MIN is thinking about behind closed doors but it's clear AP wants out and probably does want to play for the Cowboys. The only thing I do know for certain is the ending of this story is several long weeks away.

 

[Nightman]

How is choosing not to exercise an option (and that's essentially what this deal is for the final couple years) "weaseling out of the deal"? AFAIK, they never made a statement, implied or otherwise, whereby they promised to exercise those options. It was always something they could choose to do, choose not to do, and make that choice at the last moment.

Those aren't option years. You keep talking about negotiating and good faith but then you want to change the terms. Players usually get a buy out if options aren't picked up and there is usually a cut-off date for the decision.

If MINN doesn't pay him the agreed upon 45m over the next 3 years they are terminating the contract prematurely. If they cut him in Sept they are really doing him wrong. Legally it is their right, but that doesn't make it OK. That is why the League created the post June 1st designation, so players don't miss out on FA by too much.

All he is asking for is a little commitment. If they offered him some new guaranteed money or even a restructure and he turned it down, then he would be the liar. Right now MINN is saying one thing and doing the other.

 

[Nightman]

I have no clue what MIN is thinking about behind closed doors but it's clear AP wants out and probably does want to play for the Cowboys. The only thing I do know for certain is the ending of this story is several long weeks away.

I know a lot of people around here are tired of it, but I think it is the most interesting and potentially important story of the off-season. I don't think anyone can successfully argue that adding Peterson to this team, as constructed right now wouldn't be an improvement.

It is the one move besides drafting Gurley that would get me to shut up about losing Murray.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

I know a lot of people around here are tired of it, but I think it is the most interesting and potentially important story of the off-season. I don't think anyone can successfully argue that adding Peterson to this team, as constructed right now wouldn't be an improvement.

It is the one move besides drafting Gurley that would get me to shut up about losing Murray.

This will be a story for all summer or until Minn decides to let him go.

 

[Rogah]

Those aren't option years.

For all practical intents and purposes, they are. He knew when he signed the deal that the team could cut him without penalty or keep him if they so chose.

You keep talking about negotiating and good faith but then you want to change the terms.

How do I want to change the terms? It seems to me the one not satisfied with the deal they negotiated in good faith is Peterson.

If MINN doesn't pay him the agreed upon 45m over the next 3 years they are terminating the contract prematurely.

When he signed the deal, he knew full well that such a thing was a possibility. He was perfectly happy to take all their up front and guaranteed money. He's only unhappy now that he has to fulfill his end of the bargain.

In the real world and the football world, you can't agree to do something in exchange for money, take the money, then not do the task you agreed to do. Peterson signed a contract where he agreed to stay in Minnesota until 2017, knowing full well that they could terminate the deal at any point over the final 3 years and he would get nothing.

He gave up long term control of his career in exchange for the most guaranteed money a RB ever got at the time. He took the money and is now welching on his end of the bargain.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

In the real world and the football world, you can't agree to do something in exchange for money, take the money, then not do the task you agreed to do.

HELLO . . . . . . . . . . . . a true Cowboys fan would not make a statement like that because a true Cowboys fan would know who Jay Ratliff and Kyle Orton are.

 

[Rogah]

HELLO . . . . . . . . . . . . a true Cowboys fan would not make a statement like that because a true Cowboys fan would know who Jay Ratliff and Kyle Orton are.

Uh, ok.

Feel free to start making sense any day now.....

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

Uh, ok.

Feel free to start making sense any day now.....

Like I said, a true Cowboys fans would know . . . . . . . . .

But the true colors of a TAINTRIOTS fan are revealed once again!

 

[Rogah]

Like I said, a true Cowboys fans would know . . . . . . . . .

But the true colors of a TAINTRIOTS fan are revealed once again!

Could you please stop hijacking every single thread I contribute to into a discussion of the Patriots? It's pretty rude to the OP as well as the others in here clearly interested in talking about Adrian Peterson, who has nothing to do with the New England Patriots.

If you want to talk New England football, there are plenty of other threads to do so. This one's about Adrian Peterson. TIA.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

Could you please stop hijacking every single thread I contribute to into a discussion of the Patriots? It's pretty rude to the OP as well as the others in here clearly interested in talking about Adrian Peterson, who has nothing to do with the New England Patriots.

If you want to talk New England football, there are plenty of other threads to do so. This one's about Adrian Peterson. TIA.

Well looky here, a TAINTRIOTS fan is feeling the heat over being a TAINTRIOT fan instead of being Cowboys fan. Certainly a fan of the Cowboys would know exactly what I posted about. The plastic cup proof of fanhood line is showing to be a futile proof.

 

[Nightman]

For all practical intents and purposes, they are. He knew when he signed the deal that the team could cut him without penalty or keep him if they so chose.
How do I want to change the terms? It seems to me the one not satisfied with the deal they negotiated in good faith is Peterson.

When he signed the deal, he knew full well that such a thing was a possibility. He was perfectly happy to take all their up front and guaranteed money. He's only unhappy now that he has to fulfill his end of the bargain.

In the real world and the football world, you can't agree to do something in exchange for money, take the money, then not do the task you agreed to do. Peterson signed a contract where he agreed to stay in Minnesota until 2017, knowing full well that they could terminate the deal at any point over the final 3 years and he would get nothing.

He gave up long term control of his career in exchange for the most guaranteed money a RB ever got at the time. He took the money and is now welching on his end of the bargain.

You are changing the terms because you say Peterson has to honor and live with terms but MINN they can ignore them because they are "option" years. That is Adrian's entire point, either a contract has two parties or it doesn't.

Of course Adrian was OK taking the upfront money and the guaranteed money. THAT WAS HIS PAY FOR THOSE YEARS.

He is the best RB in football and show be paid accordingly.

Watch what happens when Romo has 40m left on his deal for 2018-19, but 0m in guaranteed money. There will be some kind of adjustment because everyone that follows football at all knows those are placeholder years on contracts to help with the pro-ration of signing bonuses and to make the deal and agents look better.

You are suggesting that Peterson should be the only party that MUST honor those last fake years. And he probably would if they were backed up a little guaranteed security. He deserves a little more consideration than being at any time with no concern for his future.

 

[Rogah]

You are changing the terms because you say Peterson has to honor and live with terms but MINN they can ignore them because they are "option" years.

Yes that is absolutely right, as per the agreement that was collectively bargained by the Players' Association and management. If he doesn't like those terms, he should speak to his union representative. He is also perfectly free to find some other profession if he thinks he is being treated unfairly. He cannot go to the 49ers or Cowboys, but he certainly can go work for McDonald's if he would like.

Watch what happens when Romo has 40m left on his deal for 2018-19, but 0m in guaranteed money. There will be some kind of adjustment because everyone that follows football at all knows those are placeholder years on contracts to help with the pro-ration of signing bonuses and to make the deal and agents look better.

In contractual law, there's no such term as "everyone knows." It's either in black and white or it isn't.

The Cowboys have every right to keep Romo at his 2018 number of $19.5 million without making any promises for 2019 or beyond. They also have every right to cut him and (I believe) owe him nothing. I would not begrudge them choosing either of those 2 options. Certainly there is the possibility of a mutually agreed renegotiation. However, Romo also has every right to say "I won't renegotiate so you either pay me $19.5 million in 2018 or cut me" (and I would not begrudge him that right).

What would upset me would be if the Cowboys say to Romo that they want him here in 2018 and will pay him $19.5 million and Romo refuses to report and is unhappy with that deal and demands a trade. However, everything we know about Romo's personality suggests that would not happen.

You are suggesting that Peterson should be the only party that MUST honor those last fake years.

Don't be ridiculous. If the Vikings exercise their option to keep him, they certainly have to pay him accordingly. I believe it is $13/$15/$17 million respectively. That's their end of the bargain.

He freely and willingly signed a deal whereby he got $36 million guaranteed and roughly $50 million by 2014. As per of that deal, which he freely and willingly signed, he knew he would have little control of his situation between 2015-2017. He's just another spoiled athlete who gladly took all the upfront money, but is now complaining about having to fulfill his end of the deal.

 

[Nightman]

Yes that is absolutely right, as per the agreement that was collectively bargained by the Players' Association and management. If he doesn't like those terms, he should speak to his union representative. He is also perfectly free to find some other profession if he thinks he is being treated unfairly. He cannot go to the 49ers or Cowboys, but he certainly can go work for McDonald's if he would like.
In contractual law, there's no such term as "everyone knows." It's either in black and white or it isn't.

The Cowboys have every right to keep Romo at his 2018 number of $19.5 million without making any promises for 2019 or beyond. They also have every right to cut him and (I believe) owe him nothing. I would not begrudge them choosing either of those 2 options. Certainly there is the possibility of a mutually agreed renegotiation. However, Romo also has every right to say "I won't renegotiate so you either pay me $19.5 million in 2018 or cut me" (and I would not begrudge him that right).

What would upset me would be if the Cowboys say to Romo that they want him here in 2018 and will pay him $19.5 million and Romo refuses to report and is unhappy with that deal and demands a trade. However, everything we know about Romo's personality suggests that would not happen.

Don't be ridiculous. If the Vikings exercise their option to keep him, they certainly have to pay him accordingly. I believe it is $13/$15/$17 million respectively. That's their end of the bargain.

He freely and willingly signed a deal whereby he got $36 million guaranteed and roughly $50 million by 2014. As per of that deal, which he freely and willingly signed, he knew he would have little control of his situation between 2015-2017. He's just another spoiled athlete who gladly took all the upfront money, but is now complaining about having to fulfill his end of the deal.

We are just talking in circles.

You talk about macro themes with Peterson like 'good faith' and 'honor' and respecting the contract

But when you talk about MINN it is all micro issues and technicalities and 'letter of the law'. Players of his caliber are treated with a lot more respect.

Peterson was paid and paid well for his past performance. But that has zero bearing on the current situation. His previous signing bonus was paid in 2011, which is ages ago in today's NFL. Guaranteed money only covers the first couple years, three tops, of most NFL contracts.

You say that MINN has the right to wait until the very last second to pick up the contract and that is OK but if Peterson uses the same tools afforded him by the CBA like holding out or not playing until Week 10 then he is a cry baby. Your dislike for Peterson is OK, but that bias weakens your argument.

 

[Rogah]

We are just talking in circles.

You talk about macro themes with Peterson like 'good faith' and 'honor' and respecting the contract

Correct, and when I say he signed it in good faith, let's be clear that means he was represented by a professional trade union and he was represented by professional legal counsel. He wasn't railroaded into anything.

But when you talk about MINN it is all micro issues and technicalities and 'letter of the law'. Players of his caliber are treated with a lot more respect.

Minnesota has 100% honored their end of the bargain. They have paid him every penny they promised they would (suspension notwithstanding).

Peterson was paid and paid well for his past performance. But that has zero bearing on the current situation.

Adhering to the contract that he already signed in good faith absolutely has full bearing on the situation. There is nothing in the contract, or in the CBA, that says "hey if you play really well then you get released whenever you want."

His previous signing bonus was paid in 2011, which is ages ago in today's NFL. Guaranteed money only covers the first couple years, three tops, of most NFL contracts.

Now that's a statement that has zero bearing on the current situation. If he didn't want to go 6 years without a signing bonus, then he was a moron for signing a 6-year deal.

You say that MINN has the right to wait until the very last second to pick up the contract and that is OK but if Peterson uses the same tools afforded him by the CBA like holding out or not playing until Week 10 then he is a cry baby. Your dislike for Peterson is OK, but that bias weakens your argument.

I would say the same thing about any athlete. Of course, holding out for 10 weeks would be cutting off one's nose to spite their face.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

If he doesn't like those terms, he should speak to his union representative. He is also perfectly free to find some other profession if he thinks he is being treated unfairly. He cannot go to the 49ers or Cowboys, but he certainly can go work for McDonald's if he would like.

Or, he can continue to use the leverage provided to him by the same CBA. And if the Vikings don't like his tactics, maybe they can speak to Roger Goodell. They are also perfectly free to find some other business to own if they feel Peterson is acting unfairly. They certainly can sell their shares and buy a bunch of McDonald's, pretty sure those employees would be more agreeable to being treated how ownership wants to treat them.

He's just another spoiled athlete who gladly took all the upfront money, but is now complaining about having to fulfill his end of the deal.

Again, this is not true. If Minnesota guaranteed his 2015/16/17 seasons, Peterson would report immediately, so saying he is complaining about having to fulfill his end of the deal is a lie. Now I clearly don't think Minnesota should guarantee anything, but I can rationally see this as two sides using what leverage they have (or little leverage they have, in Peterson's case) to get what they want.

 

[Rogah]

Or, he can continue to use the leverage provided to him by the same CBA.

Assuming you mean holding out until week11, absolutely he can do that - but he won't. That would literally cost him millions of dollars from his current deal, and weaken his position in negotiating a new deal for a new team. He would literally lose millions and millions that would never be recovered.

Sitting out the OTA's and sitting out the regular season are miles (and millions of dollars) apart.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

Absolutely he can do that - but he won't. That would literally cost him millions of dollars from his current deal, and weaken his position in negotiating a new deal for a new team. He would literally lose millions and millions that would never be recovered.

Sitting out the OTA's and sitting out the regular season are miles (and millions of dollars) apart.

I don't think he'll sit out regular season games, but he can likely skip mandatory team activities and avoid getting fined

 

[joseephuss]

I don't think he'll sit out regular season games, but he can likely skip mandatory team activities and avoid getting fined

How does he avoid getting fined if he is skipping mandatory team activities? He could potentially lose out on a $250K workout bonus if he skips these activities. Of course that is nothing compared to the $12.74 million base salary he is scheduled to get this season.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

How does he avoid getting fined if he is skipping mandatory team activities? He could potentially lose out on a $250K workout bonus if he skips these activities. Of course that is nothing compared to the $12.74 million base salary he is scheduled to get this season.

No, the work out bonus is gone. As far as fines go, when he actually skips organized team activities, I think the team eventually caves, whether it's dropping the fines or dropping the fines plus partially guarantying his salary for next year, the Vikings realize they are better with Peterson and will cave to some extent.