Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson apologizes for 6-game PED suspension

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Patrick Peterson didn’t take long to break his silence.

On the same day it was announced the Arizona Cardinal cornerback would be suspended six games for a PED violation, Peterson made a statement at his welcome party before the eight-time Pro Bowler’s charity golf tournament Thursday night in Scottsdale.

“Definitely, definitely sorry for what broke out today,” he said. “For the most part, I think you guys understand my character and also understand my commitment on and off the field and also to my teammates and also to the Arizona Cardinals organization.

“That’s why this is very, very hard for me because I’ve obviously never been in this situation and never wanted to have my name attached to anything like this. I’m looking to move forward and put this behind me.”

P2 issues his statement on the suspension ahead of his welcome party for his charity event Thursday night. More to come on @AZSports. pic.twitter.com/EwXhYzSPFL

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) May 17, 2019

Peterson said that he had known about the suspension and the plan was for the news to be released next week. For the cornerback, the timing of the announcement couldn’t have come at a more “horrible” time.

“Deeply disappointed that it had to come out today, but it did, and I’m just happy that now I can put it behind me,” Peterson said.

“I knew about it for a months so I’m just happy — not happy but relieved — that it’s out and … I can move forward. It’s deeply disappointing that I’m obviously attached to something like this but now I can put it behind and just looking forward to coming back and facing the New York Giants.”

When asked if he will be at OTAs on Monday, Peterson responded that he “has to be a father,” but would still do his “due diligence” to make sure he’s in shape for the upcoming mandatory mini-camp in June.

Peterson said his “relationship is great” with the Cardinals and that he has spoken with Cardinals general manager Steve Keim. He also spoke on his recent social media “scrubbing” that took place recently.

“The relationship’s good, I knew [the media] speculated me erasing pictures, I had a lot going on and now I want to have a new look,” Peterson said. “I want to put up a lot more fashion, the pictures are up there right now on Instagram to definitely promote life after football.

“But for the most part, our relationship is great … and I’m looking forward to moving forward.”

Peterson did not participate in the team’s late-April voluntary mini-camp. John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station reported at the time that Peterson was upset with the organization.

The cornerback will be available to participate in all offseason practices and preseason practices and games. He will, however, have to sit out in the regular season until Oct. 14, after a Week 6 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

“Patrick recognizes how disappointing this is for everyone in the organization as well as our fans,” the Cardinals said in a team statement. “As we all do, he understands that regardless of intent he is ultimately responsible for everything he puts in his body. Our coaching staff and our players are now aware that we will have to play the first six games without Patrick and they understand they have to rise to the challenge that it presents.”

Peterson has already appealed and decided to drop it, and he will lose $3,882,352 in wages, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

Last season, Peterson requested a trade before the midseason deadline but later backed off that stance, affirming his commitment to the Cardinals this offseason.

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