Mike Zimmer makes it simple for Adrian Peterson: Play for us or no one

The Adrian Peterson situation in Minnesota is pretty complicated.

Or is it? Vikings Coach Mike Zimmer summed it all up quite neatly while talking with reporters about the team’s disgruntled star running back on Wednesday.

“He’s really got two choices,” Zimmer said of Peterson. “He can either play for us or he can not play. So he’s not gonna play for anyone else and that’s just the way it’s gonna be.”

And there you have it.

Peterson responded later in the day, sharing a statement on his verified Twitter account.

“The reason I’m not attending [Organized Team Activities] has nothing to do with wanting to be traded,” Peterson said. “It’s about securing my future with the Vikings. It’s business, not personal and I understand that firsthand. Go Vikings.”

Peterson has three years left on his contract with the Vikings, and so far he has done nothing to violate it. This week’s practices are voluntary, although Peterson appears to be forfeiting a $250,000 workout bonus by not participating.

Peterson is said to be unhappy with the amount of support he received from the team while he was facing child abuse charges last year. The 2012 NFL MVP played just one game last season and spent the rest either on the commissioner’s exempt list or suspended.

He pleaded no contest and has since been reinstated to the league. But Peterson said back in February he felt “uneasy” about returning to the Vikings and his agent reportedly pushed the team to trade his client before the draft.

Peterson reportedly told the Vikings last week he would not participate in organized team activities. Zimmer was asked at the time when he thought Peterson would join his teammates.

“It’s up to Adrian, really,” Zimmer said. “He’s the guy you should ask. ... We’d like all our players here. It’s the voluntary time of year right now and it’s his decision in what he wants to do.”

Twitter: @chewkiii