Peterson Absence Tough But Real For Vikings
NFL teams make succession plans all the time for players moving past their prime. The sudden absence of Adrian Peterson from Minnesota's backfield, however, could not have been anticipated.
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NFL teams make succession plans all the time for players moving past their prime. The sudden absence of Adrian Peterson from Minnesota's backfield, however, could not have been anticipated.
The child abuse investigation involving Minnesota Viking running back Adrian Peterson continues to shake up the NFL, fans and even former players. Now one of the greatest players in Minnesota Vikings history is speaking out with strong words for Commissioner Roger Goodell, the Vikings and Peterson.
Twin Cities criminal defense attorney Joe Tamburino stopped by the WCCO This Morning show on Thursday to give his take on the case and what's next for Adrian Peterson. He won't be stepping on a football field until the legal matter is resolved, and there's a chance he may never play for the Vikings again.
The Adrian Peterson case has opened up a national conversation about how to respond when a child misbehaves. On Monday, Peterson released a statement saying in part, "I'm not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser."
The Minnesota Vikings owners admitted Wednesday that they made a mistake when it came to the decisions regarding RB Adrian Peterson's status with the team, after last week's child abuse charges surfaced.
The Vikings team has had to endure a week of uncertainty and maintain that life will be normal if they just focus on New Orleans. The attempts at normalcy came at practice Wednesday in Winter Park.
From the cover of the New York Daily News on Monday that featured a smiling Vikings fan carrying a switch, to the dozens of reporters and photographers who descended on Winter Park Wednesday for a news conference, criticism of the team has been harsh. As the Vikings owners explained yet another about face, the analysis from ESPN's analysts was tough.
Nike announced Wednesday that it would be suspending its contract with Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in light of his recent child abuse charges. "Nike in no way condones child abuse or domestic violence of any kind and has shared our concerns with the NFL," a press representative for the company said.
The Vikings hold a title the team doesn't celebrate – the most players arrested in the NFL. According to USA Today, 45 Minnesota Vikings have been arrested since 2000. That's double the league average.
For as long as he's been in the NFL, Adrian Peterson has been one of the most popular and most marketable stars in the league, an approachable superstar with the kind of inspirational comeback story that made him an endorser's dream.
The fallout is coming from all angles in the Adrian Peterson case. From the actual criminal charges to the Vikings decision to have him return this week, the politicians voicing their displeasure over that move to sponsors dropping out, and some charity team activities canceled Tuesday, the fallout is big.
A Mankato restaurant got considerable flak over the weekend after telling customers on Facebook that if they came in wearing an Adrian Peterson jersey they could spank their server.
A Twin Cities advertising executive thinks some of the backlash that's happening because of the Adrian Peterson indictment will eventually fade, and won't hurt the Vikings organization. Doug Spong is president of the Spong agency.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says Vikings running back Adrian Peterson should have stayed suspended until an accusation of child abuse was resolved in the legal system.
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said Monday that the decision to play Peterson has nothing to do with him as a football player.
Monday evening, Radisson said it's suspending its limited sponsorship of the Vikings while it evaluates the facts and circumstances of the case.
The Adrian Peterson child abuse case is not the first time a Viking player has been in trouble. But how the Vikings are handling this case is a bit different. Vikings players have been arrested 45 times since 2000 for crimes ranging from assault, to drunk driving, to disorderly conduct.
Adrian Peterson issued a statement and was at the team facility Monday, but was not in the locker room to elaborate. His teammates, however, did.
Minnesota Vikings fans are deeply divided not only on their opinions about the Adrian Peterson child abuse allegations, but on how the team reacted.
The Minnesota Vikings announced Monday morning that running back Adrian Peterson will practice this week and play Sunday at New Orleans. Hours later, Peterson issued a statement on the incident, opening up about the child abuse allegations for the first time.
Here is the full text of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's statement, which he released Monday. He has been charged with child abuse for striking his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.
The attorney for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson says he will seek to delay Peterson's initial court appearance in Texas on a child abuse charge. Peterson is scheduled to enter a plea at a Wednesday hearing in Conroe, Texas.
A roundup of fan comment on Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson's indictment on a child abuse charge, gathered outside TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday, when the Vikings lost 30-7 to New England.
The New England Patriots took full advantage of Adrian Peterson's absence, though he might not have made much of a difference. Six sacks, four interceptions from Matt Cassel and a blocked field goal for a touchdown doomed the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, as the Patriots breezed to a 30-7 win, coach Bill Belichick's 200th.
Plenty of No. 28 purple jerseys showed up for Sunday's Minnesota Vikings home opener. None were worn by the face of the franchise.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
After a contentious start to the investigation into Alex Pretti's death, his family feels true justice starts with both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working together.
The city of Minneapolis estimates it's losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue each week — with the Lake Street corridor in particular down $46 million in revenue between December 2025 and last month.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
After a contentious start to the investigation into Alex Pretti's death, his family feels true justice starts with both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working together.
The city of Minneapolis estimates it's losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue each week — with the Lake Street corridor in particular down $46 million in revenue between December 2025 and last month.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
Community leaders in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say federal agents have detained at least 10 Somali people there and arrested several more during protests. One man says he was arrested and released, only to be arrested again.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
The Minneapolis Lake Street Council alone says they’ve lost $46 million in revenue since December, and are pleading with community members to spend money at local shops and restaurants.
Several Twin Cities small businesses say Operation Metro Surge has cost them millions of dollars in revenue. Now, they're asking for the community’s help.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won't detain them.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? WCCO sat down with Todd Barnette, the city's community safety commissioner, to hear how the city is handling the surge of federal agents.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Veteran point guard Mike Conley is expected to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded twice this week, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.
Minnesota United FC is adding an international star to its roster.
The small town of Warroad, Minnesota, has had an outsized impact on the history of hockey in the U.S. The inclusion of Brock Nelson on the men's Olympic team this year makes eight players from Warroad to go to the Winter Games.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are underway after the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons and the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.
Grace Grocholski scored 21 points, Mara Braun added 16 and Minnesota beat No. 10 Iowa 91-85 on Thursday night for its fifth straight victory.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Saturday will be breezy in the Twin Cities with a high temperature of 26 degrees, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Saturday will be breezy and cooler, then things will warm back up.
Temps are set to fall into the teens by the evening due to gusty winds from the north.
Minnesota falls below freezing Friday, but a nice warmup is just around the corner, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Thousands of people oppose U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by driving around every single day looking for agents. They consider it their job to stop arrests when they can. Advocacy groups say they've trained tens of thousands of people on how to do it safely and legally. Some of those observers have been arrested, or, in the case of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, killed. Conor Wight hopped into the backseat with some observers to show us how they operate.
Saturday will be breezy in the Twin Cities with a high temperature of 26 degrees, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
We've heard the call from federal officials for counties to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Several Minnesota sheriff's departments have what's called a 287(g) agreement with the agency. It can be controversial. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. The sheriff allowed WCCO into the Crow Wing County jail to talk about the agreements only with Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle.
After smashing an anti-ICE sculpture on the front steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, a far-right influencer has been told to stay away. A Ramsey County judge ordered Jake Lang to stay three blocks away from the Minnesota State Capitol. WCCO's Reg Chapman talked with the veterans group behind the sculpture.
Saturday will be breezy and cooler, then things will warm back up.