Recently, NFL star Adrian Peterson offered noted journalist Graham Bensinger his first, long-form TV interview since a devastating 2014 suspension. Peterson's anticipated interview airs nationwide this weekend on the nationally-syndicated series, In Depth with Graham Bensinger. Peterson's most candid remarks were made regarding the following subjects.
· The "politics" and strings attached to Goodell's decision to suspend him for a season.
· How Ray Rice's case had a significant impact on Peterson's NFL suspension.
· How Adrian's discipline as a child shaped him, including the pain of a switch and extension cord.
The full interview airs this weekend on NBC, FOX, ABC, and CBS affiliates across the country (TV schedule by market available here). An embedded episode preview is also available here.
Peterson's insightful sit-down with Emmy-winner Graham Bensinger emanated from the Pro Bowl running back's palatial Houston mansion. In addition to the aforementioned topics, Peterson fielded questions regarding his quest to break Eric Dickerson and Emmitt Smith's long-held rushing records, advice to young people faced with hardship, and setting his sights on sprinting in the 2020 Summer Olympics. Peterson also showcases fumble prevention drills with Graham from his new gym on the day of its grand opening.
As the interview commenced, Peterson reflected on his exchanges with Roger Goodell and the commissioner's motivations that led to a season-long suspension from the NFL.
Bensinger: "What do you think about how he treated you through the process?"
Peterson: "I know people in high ranking positions, they have a role to play… So he played his role… I feel like political people at different positions – there's a lot of strings attached you know, to them. So there's just different things that they probably feel, and of course that they will say – let that be known. And there's certain things that they are forced to say as well… And I don't know if he was forced or that's how he felt."
Bensinger: "… How much do you think your punishment was influenced by what happened with Ray Rice?"
Peterson: "It definitely had a lot to do with it. A lot to do with it… But I understand that. I get it. I understand that it's bigger than Adrian Peterson. It's politics."
Bensinger: "You think the punishment was fair?"
Peterson: "... No, not really. I missed an entire season, you know? I was judged before I was actually judged, you know? But I'll accept it because it didn't break me. It made me a stronger person; a smarter, more wiser individual. I was actually able to see people - a lot of people - for who they really are."
