Sports

Peterson, Vikings Agree to Redo Last 3 Years of Deal

Published

10 years ago

July 22, 2015

In this June 18, 2015, file photo, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson talks with members of the media after NFL football minicamp in Eden Prairie, Minn. Peterson and the Vikings have agreed to restructure the final three years of the running back’s contract. The Vikings made the announcement on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, four days before players will report to training camp. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt, File)

DAVE CAMPBELL, AP Pro Football Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings agreed Tuesday to restructure the final three years of his contract, giving the six-time Pro Bowl running back $20 million in guaranteed money.

The Vikings announced the agreement four days before players will report to training camp, clearing away any lingering haze that surrounded their relationship with Peterson. Initially disinterested in returning to the team following his reinstatement by the NFL, Peterson softened this spring and took part in several offseason practices with the Vikings last month.

Peterson and his lead agent, Ben Dogra, didn’t appear to have any leverage in negotiations once Vikings general manager Rick Spielman stood firm in his intent to keep Peterson on the team rather than trade him. But despite the drama of the past several months, Peterson got the guaranteed money he sought, another sign of the organization’s widespread appreciation of him.

In a statement distributed by the Vikings, Peterson said he was pleased by the team’s good-faith effort. On Twitter, he posted simply, “Amen,” next to an emoji of a pair of praying hands.

“I appreciate the Vikings for working together on this restructured contract, which provides additional security for me but also allows opportunities for me to further prove my value to the team and within the NFL,” Peterson said in the statement. “It was important for me to continue my career in Minnesota, and I cannot wait to get on the field in front of Vikings fans again.”

Peterson, out of action for all but one game last year because of the child abuse charge he faced involving his young son, came back from his personal conduct policy suspension with $45 million left on his existing contract. None of that money, however, was guaranteed.

According to a person with knowledge of the situation, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the confidential nature of the terms of the contract, Peterson will be guaranteed $20 million for signing the new deal. That’s the $13 million he was previously scheduled to make this season, plus $7 million next year to cover him in case of injury. By next March, he can make another $5 million with a roster bonus. Peterson’s salary cap hit will be a bit lower the next two seasons, but he can earn back more money with performance incentives.

Peterson will be the highest-paid running back in the league.

The revamped contract clearly is designed for him to be in Minnesota’s backfield when US Bank Stadium opens in 2016.

“This agreement is a win for both Adrian and the Vikings and is a positive step toward Adrian finishing his career as a Minnesota Viking,” Spielman said in a statement distributed by the team. “As we have consistently said, Adrian is a valuable part of the Vikings organization and we look forward to his return to the field.”

This will essentially become a two-year deal plus a team option for the third season, when the Vikings would be off the hook if they were to decide he wasn’t productive enough to keep at age 32. According to data on the NFL Players Association’s website, Peterson will have a base salary of $17.75 million in 2017, which would be a raise of $1 million from the previous contract. Factoring in his $250,000 workout bonus, that’s $18 million.

That also is a matter for another day. For now, the Vikings have their franchise player back in the fold after a tumultuous year away, yet another example of money resolving a conflict in this ultra-competitive league.

Peterson, who turned 30 in March, can let himself loose without worrying about getting hurt. He’ll be aiming to help the Vikings improve upon their 7-9 record from last year and rise up the ranks of the NFL’s career rushing leaders along the way.

“I feel like I’m blessed,” Peterson said last month, when asked about his longevity at a demanding position that churns up some of the best. “I feel like just my mindset that I have, my work ethic, as well.”

___

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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

4 weeks 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

7 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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Activism

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

10 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.