Payton, Peterson deny heated interaction in loss to Vikings
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and running back Adrian Peterson both downplayed an apparent incident between them following Monday's 29-19 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, reports Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune.
Peterson was caught on the game broadcast seemingly yelling at Payton several times on the sideline before the coach finally acknowledged him.
Payton said there wasn't a heated exchange, while Peterson stated he hadn't seen the video but that people were jumping to conclusions.
"There’s no conflict. Let’s not try to spin it like it is. There’s no conflict. I got a lot of respect for coach Payton," Peterson said.
"I could’ve said, 'I love you.' But it’s no issue. We have bigger fish to fry," he added.
More seriously, Peterson said he was likely stumping for more inside zone runs. Clearly not happy with 9 snaps, but said he respects Payton.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 12, 2017
In his debut with the Saints, Peterson finished with six carries for 18 yards, among the lowest figures of his career in both categories.
The veteran runner spent his first 10 NFL seasons with the Vikings, setting several franchise records and earning seven Pro Bowl selections, three rushing titles, and an MVP award. He signed with New Orleans this past offseason.