Peterson Says ‘Fresh Start’ Might Be Best

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Adrian Peterson tells USA Today he realizes moving on from the Minnesota Vikings might be best for both sides.

In an interview posted on the newspaper's website on Thursday, Peterson says he has strong support from coaches and players on the team. But he also spoke about other people within the organization who aren't on his side. He tells the newspaper that it might be best "to get a fresh start somewhere else."

Peterson also says spoke with the 4-year-old son at the center of his child abuse case last week for the first time in five months.

Peterson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault for injuring the boy while attempting to discipline him. He was informed this week by the NFL he will be suspended for at least the rest of the season.

NFLPA appeals Adrian Peterson's suspension

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL players' union has appealed the league's suspension of Adrian Peterson.

In a letter to its player representatives and executive committee obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, the NFLPA calls Commissioner Roger Goodell's punishment "unprecedented, arbitrary, and unlawful" and demands an independent, neutral arbitrator hears Peterson's case.

Goodell on Tuesday suspended Peterson without pay for the rest of the season and told him he will not be considered for reinstatement before April 15 for his violation of the NFL personal conduct policy. Peterson pleaded no contest Nov. 4 to misdemeanor reckless assault in Texas for injuries to his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.

The union says Peterson was told the games he missed on a special exempt list would count as time served toward a suspension. The 2012 NFL MVP played just one game for the Minnesota Vikings this season.

RB Tate joins Vikings after rough ride with Browns

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — After a bumpy ending in Cleveland, running back Ben Tate is getting a fresh start in Minnesota.

Tate joined the Vikings for practice Thursday, two days after he was waived by the Browns.

Tate signed with Cleveland as a free agent before the season, leaving Houston after four years. Tate had only two carries for minus-9 yards against the Texans last week and said he was dissatisfied with his role. Rookies Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West had overtaken him on the depth chart.

Tate also missed two games earlier this year because of a sprained right knee.

The Vikings host Green Bay this Sunday and are thin at running back with Adrian Peterson suspended and Matt Asiata out with a concussion.