Adrian Peterson apologizes for calling out Damar Hamlin over controversial jacket choice
With the exception of Adrian Peterson's recent comments, Damar Hamlin is a name that is as invincible as they come. No matter who is speaking about the Bills safety, positive words have been spoken in the wake of seeing him collapse on Monday Night Football. However, one of the all-time greats has called out the safety for his attire choices.
Put simply, Adrian Peterson didn't like a jacket that the player was photographed wearing and voiced his opinion.
Will Damar Hamlin play football again?
He has since revealed that he has spoken with Hamlin and explained his position but ultimately apologized. Here's how he put it, according to a post made on Instagram:
"So I spoke with Damar... I’m the last person to judge anyone, and that was never my intention. However, I do feel as if the jacket was disrespectful and it was something that I needed to share."
He continued, paraphrasing a quote from Spiderman:
"Damar, I have respect and love for you and I wish you nothing but the best, but I just can’t rock with that jacket. I feel like there are a lot people... looking up to you and with power and influence comes great responsibility."
Adrian Peterson calls out Damar Hamlin for wearing “disrespectful” Takashi Murakami jacket https://t.co/sBNLmskrgW
Lastly, he apologized to the receiver:
"I apologize for offending you, I just felt offended... After speaking with Damar, I have an understanding that it didn’t come from a place of ill intent!"
Adrian Peterson's controversial past puts comments in perspective
The former running back's feelings about the jacket's "offensive" messaging also put a spotlight on his own controversial past. Back in 2014, the running back was suspended from the league after being charged with felony child abuse. According to ESPN, the running back hit his four-year-old son with a wooden switch, leaving him with swellings, marks and cuts across his back, limbs and buttocks.
He was eventually reinstated and returned to the league and played through the 2021 season. In total, he played for seven teams and rushed for 14,918 yards and 120 touchdowns.
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit Sports Illustrated, Adrian Peterson on Instagram, and H/T Sportskeeda.