The general culture inside NFL locker rooms has come under fire in recent weeks, including some of the language used among players.
Richie Incognito‘s use of the “N-word” in messages to teammate Jonathan Martin sparked a major discussion on the topic. While some seem to think it’s a big problem across the league, Adrian Peterson has apparently seen worse, according to FOX Sports.
“There’s so much that’s said in the locker room that people would go crazy if they knew half of the things we say, but you know what, that’s the world we live in,” Peterson said. “Half the time it’s nothing that’s taken personally, and it’s not really a word that’s thrown out there a lot, especially by the opposite race.”
The Vikings running back mentioned that players do tend to use the “N-word,” even some players who are not African-American. He also noted that, while he doesn’t necessarily agree with the use of the word overall, it’s just the nature of the locker room environment and that guys do say “crazier things” than that.
“There’s a couple guys – I could use myself as an example – that might throw that out there that’s not African-American and I don’t take it personally because I know where it comes from,” Peterson said. “Not to say that the use of the word should be out there, but it is what it is. It’s men. There’s no other [place], not even basketball where there’s so many guys in one space. Things like that happen. People say crazier things than just the n-word.”
Washington offensive tackle Trent Williams has been accused of using the “N-word” when arguing with an official on Sunday. The NFL reviewed the situation and sent a statement to its players on Thursday, asking that they try and refrain from use of the word on the field. Although, if Peterson can be believed, that’s not all they should be worried about.
Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.
