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Frazier on AP's tardiness: `It's a big deal'

Coach doesn't expect Peterson to miss another team bus to the stadium.

By Mark Craig

November 27, 2012 at 12:33AM

The Vikings lost to their NFC North rivals the Chicago Bears 28-10 in an NFL football game at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL Sunday afternoon, November 25, 2012. The Vikings' Adrian Peterson dodged a hit by Chicago's Major Wright early in the fourth quarter while gaining eight yards before being tackled by Lance Briggs at the Chicago eight yard line. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier had his talk with Adrian Peterson about the latter's missing of the team bus from the team hotel to Soldier Field before Sunday's game against the Bears.

"The conversation itself, I'll keep between he and I," Frazier said. "But we have talked about it. Hopefully, it will never happen again. I can't see why it would. I hope it never will again."

Peterson was seen flagging down a cab at 10 a.m. outside the JW Marriott. That's when the players are supposed to be in the locker room. According to the NFL Network, AP -- which apparently doesn't stand for Always Punctual -- got to the stadium at 10:30.

Asked how big or small a deal it was to look up and not see the league's rushing leader on the bus, Frazier said, "Well, anytime one of your leaders is not where he's supposed to be, it's not good. I talk to our team all the time about being where you're supposed to be and being on time. It's a big deal."

Frazier said being late or missing the team bus isn't something Peterson has had a problem with before. Peterson declined to talk about the situation after the game.

Asked when he knew Peterson wasn't on the bus, Frazier said, "I knew when we left. He's Adrian Peterson, so I know when he's on [the bus] or not on."

Asked if he was in contact with Peterson while on the bus or at the stadium, Frazier simply said, "Nope."

Frazier also declined to use Peterson's tardiness as a distraction that contributed to the Bears whipping the daylights out of the Vikings.

"I think everybody was pretty focused on their job and doing what they had to do," Frazier said. "I'm not sure how many guys really knew that he wasn't on the bus. I'm not sure. I think our guys were focused on their jobs and what they needed to do."

Frazier also ticked through the injury news:

MLB Jasper Brinkley, who finished the game, has an AC (shoulder) sprain and "will be sore" on Wednesday, when the team begins practicing for the Packers game on Sunday. Frazier didn't give a likelihood of Brinkley being available for practice.
RT Phil Loadholt, who finished the game, had some knee inflammation, but "should be fine" for the game.
Peterson, who finished the game, had a "shoulder strain during the course of the game." Frazier said the team will monitor his progress during the week, but "it shouldn't be a problem" as far as playing against the Packers.
TE Kyle Rudolph and FS Harrison Smith, neither of whom finished the game, are still being evaluated for concussions. They'll have to pass the league-mandated concussion tests before being allowed to return.
Frazier also had no updates on WR Percy Harvin, who has missed the past two games because of a sprained left ankle. Frazier said he'll know more when Harvin goes through some drills with the training staff.

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).