Adrian Peterson is one of the top running backs in the NFL. His ability to run over defenders with electric speed has made the Minnesota Viking, a once in a lifetime talent.  Known mostly by his alter ego, “All Day”, Peterson is known for his constant work ethic and the ability to never take off a down. His relentless on the field effort must have been his excuse for skipping his own youth camp; he was probably too tired.

The Old Spice Adrian Peterson Football Camp is a held at Peterson’s alma mater, Oklahoma University. The camp, that ran “All Day” this past Thursday and Friday, was for 7-14 year olds looking to improve their game from the NFL’s best. Unfortunately, that never happened.

A few days prior to the camps start date, an announcement was made over its website that Adrian Peterson would be unable to make an appearance. An announcement on the camps website cited scheduling conflicts for the reason of Peterson’s absence and that he will be featured on the NFL’s top 100 players list. Peterson apologized to the camp goers and says he is very excited to be back in 2012 to host the camp.

Scheduling conflicts? Is this a joke? I have a man crush on Adrian Peterson as much as the next guy, but man what about the kids? If not for anything, do it for them. Or maybe do it for the parents. The parents that just dropped $200 (when most NFL players are holding free youth camps) for their children to have a chance to spend two days with their football idol; just to get their hearts broken when he doesn’t show up.

Kids, get your money back because an Adrian Peterson camp without well, Adrian Peterson, is a waste of time. The camp tried to save its reputation by getting some notable football names to take over Peterson’s duties as camp host.  Former Sooner Standouts, Mark Clayton of the St. Louis Rams, Rookie Dallas Cowboys running back, DeMarco Murray, and former Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, Jason White will be running the show in Peterson’s place. Sounds like a great bargain if you signed up for the Adrian Peterson camp ran by mediocre ex- Oklahoma Sooners. When I first read this I thought that those three were on the list of camp attendees. Wait; is it stretching it to praise Jason White as mediocre? Doesn’t he sell insurance now?

I want to personally apologize to all of the children who were looking forward to some football tutelage from the games best. I know I would be heartbroken and probably keep my #28 Peterson jersey in the back of the closet for awhile. Just the back of the closet though, lets not go doing anything heinous like  a Lebron James burning parade, part ll. All in all, the man did apologize and is missing the camp to be part of a very prestigious league event. Would the NFL have taken him off the Top 100 list if he missed the festivities? Probably not, but hey, the guy is in no contention for a Super Bowl ring anytime soon so let’s let him enjoy his moments of glory. Am I still disappointed? Yes, but It seems as if “All Day” just needed a few days off.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikingsfrenzy/

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