NFL legend Adrian Peterson gets involved in a fistfight over poker
Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson was involved in a fistfight over a disputed hand during a poker game at a Houston social club.
The incident occurred on 27 May at JokerStars, a private gaming club in Houston, and was captured on video obtained by TMZ Sports.
Footage shows Peterson, 39, and another man exchanging punches after a heated verbal exchange at the poker table. The altercation continued for several seconds before bystanders intervened.
Former #NFL superstar #AdrianPeterson got into a fistfight with a poker player following a dispute over a hand ... and #TMZSports has obtained video of the tussle. pic.twitter.com/WdhcZFHwBt
Speaking to TMZ, Peterson characterised the altercation as a personal dispute that escalated unexpectedly. “Me and the guy, we're cool,” he said. “We've known each other. It was literally like a brother situation. We agreed to disagree, we had our words, and we threw blows — and that was it.”
Peterson added that he regretted the incident. “I felt really bad. It's a situation where I kind of regret it,” he said.
No law enforcement was called, and neither Peterson nor the other individual faced disciplinary action from the venue. Both sustained minor injuries, with Peterson stating his own resulted from falling into a chair rather than from punches.
The club, according to Peterson, took no punitive action against either party. Police confirmed they were not notified of the incident, and no investigation was initiated.
Peterson acknowledged that alcohol was present during the evening but denied it played a direct role in the fight.
A 15-year NFL veteran, Peterson ranks fifth in league history for career rushing yards, with 14,918.
Best known for his decade with the Minnesota Vikings, he also played for New Orleans, Washington, Detroit, Tennessee and Seattle. In recent years, he has dabbled in celebrity boxing and remains active on the poker circuit.