Sports

Peterson ‘Feels Good to be Back in the Building’

Published

11 years ago

June 3, 2015

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson speaks at a news conference in Eden Prairie, Minn., Tuesday June 2, 2015. Peterson practiced with the Vikings for the first time in nine months on Tuesday. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP)

DAVE CAMPBELL, AP Pro Football Writer

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Nearly eight months passed for Adrian Peterson between practices with the Minnesota Vikings.

His public image and personal brand took a huge hit. He had to miss 15 precious games in a sport with so few. He found himself thoroughly baffled by what to do next, whether he even wanted to return to the NFL, let alone Minnesota. He turned 30.

With that purple No. 28 jersey finally back on, though, he almost felt like he never left.

“It felt good to be back in the building, to be around the fellas,” Peterson said Tuesday after his first workout at Vikings headquarters since Sept. 12, a practice that took place hours before his indictment on the child abuse charge that forever changed his life, disordered Minnesota’s 2014 season and became part of the frame of an ugly fall for the NFL amid persistent domestic violence problems.

Despite his stated uneasiness with certain people in the Vikings’ organization and the backlash against him around the region following the injuries he caused while disciplining his son, the relationships Peterson built over his first eight years with the team were what drove him to drop his informal protest and arrive this week to work.

“It’s been a lot of love that I’ve felt through this process, and I was able to feel that same love today,” Peterson said.

He shared many hugs with players, coaches and staff, but after all the tension, confusion and bitterness of the last several months when his departure from Minnesota appeared inevitable there was a back-to-business vibe at Winter Park on the day of his return. Peterson didn’t even give a special address to the rest of the team, another sign of the respect he’s long had in the locker room.

“He’s got such a charismatic smile, infectious personality. It’s good to get him here,” coach Mike Zimmer said.

On the field, Peterson has some catching up to do, but he already had months of experience in offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s scheme last season before he was put on paid leave while the

“We tried to get him acclimated on the things that were going. He’s going to have to put in some more work time as far as all that,” Zimmer said, “but there’s really not a prettier sight when he’s got the ball in his hand, you know?”

The Vikings finished 7-9 in Zimmer’s first season, a decent accomplishment considering Peterson’s absence and the steep learning curve for rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, but they weren’t happy about it. Now, barring injuries, Zimmer and Turner will have the full lineup on offense they originally envisioned.

“I do believe that we can be very, very explosive,” Zimmer said. “I think to have a talented running back with a talented quarterback and talented receivers and some good tight ends, I think that we can spread the field and it can be good for everyone.”

Peterson reiterated his apology to his young son for spanking him with a wooden switch, describing the act as a mistake. He said loves his children with all of his heart and would “jump in front of a car for them.”

He said his softened stance on returning to Minnesota came through prayer, counsel from trusted pastors and good old-fashioned listening to mom and dad.

“With everything going on in my life at that time, I really didn’t know what I wanted,” Peterson said. “I really didn’t know if I wanted to play somewhere else, if I wanted to retire. I didn’t know if I wanted to get into track and do something different. That’s where receiving advice from my parents, my advisers, really played a big role.”

Peterson’s $12.75 million salary for 2015 will be guaranteed the first week of the season, but beyond that all bets are off. His agent, Ben Dogra, has pushed for a restructured contact, but the Vikings have made no assurances.

So Peterson, naturally, will be playing with plenty to prove. He’ll also, despite being an age that’s often unfriendly to running backs, be playing with a body that benefited from an unexpected late-career year of respite from the constant pounding taken from carrying the ball.

“I feel good, you know? I’m not going to say any names, but there’s young guys I work out with in Houston, younger guys, like 24, 25, first-year guys just going to play, and I outrun them and out-jump ’em and everything else,” Peterson said. “So with that being said, age is just a number. It’s all about how you view it mentally.”

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AP Sports Writer Jon Krawczynski contributed to this report.

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AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

2 months ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

9 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

12 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.