Disgruntled Vikings running back Adrian Peterson wrote in a statement to ESPN on Wednesday night that he doesn’t want to be traded and is skipping organized team activities because he wants a better contract. His statement came about eight hours after Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer had made it clear how he stands on Peterson’s future.

“Adrian, he’s really got two choices,” Zimmer said. “He can either play for us or he can not play. He’s not going to play for anybody else. That’s just the way it’s going to be.”

Zimmer spoke after Peterson skipped the second day of a three-day session of OTAs. Peterson, who missed 15 games last season because of a child-abuse incident, is sacrificing a $250,000 workout bonus, which requires in his contract 90 percent participation in OTAs and minicamps.

“The reason I’m not attending OTAs has nothing to do with wanting to be traded,” Peterson wrote in his statement. “It’s about securing my future with the Vikings. It’s business, not personal and I understand that firsthand. Go Vikings.”

Peterson’s closing line of support comes after he apparently hasn’t been quoted saying anything positive about the Vikings for several months. His statement follows his agent, Ben Dogra, telling USA Today four weeks ago that a better contract was being sought for Peterson.

Peterson has three years and $44.25 million left on his deal, including $12.75 million for 2015, but none of it is guaranteed. Sources said Peterson wants his deal reworked with some guaranteed money.

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman did not return a message seeking comment.

Dogra in March told reporters Peterson would be better off with another team. Peterson has been displeased because he doesn’t believe some in the Vikings organization did enough last season to get him back on the field.

The Vikings have been saying for several months they won’t trade Peterson. After concluding their first session Thursday, the Vikings also have OTA sessions scheduled for June 2-4 and June 8-11. A source told the Pioneer Press on Sunday that Peterson likely would miss all of OTAs.

“I’m not concerned,” Zimmer said about Peterson not being on hand. “I don’t know when he’s coming. … He’s missed a lot of OTAs over the course of his career. I’m not worried about it. I have 89 guys out here that I’m coaching and trying to get better. It is what it is.”

Zimmer said he has talked to Peterson since he and Spielman visited him March 4 at his Houston-area home. However, he said he has not spoken with him “recently.”

After OTAs, Minnesota has a mandatory minicamp June 16-18, and Peterson could be fined up to $72,920 if he doesn’t show up then. After that, he would not have any attendance expectations until players have to report July 25 for training camp in Mankato.

Without Peterson on hand, Vikings running backs went about their business during Wednesday’s practice session. Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon primarily filled in last season for Peterson.

“It’s a business,” Asiata said. “I got a family to feed. I got to take care of them.”

Several Vikings players talked about being willing to welcome Peterson back whenever he might arrive.

“We’re going to accept Adrian with welcoming arms,” said quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. “We know what he means to this team. He’s done some great things in the community here. He’s done great things for this franchise and this organization. We can’t wait to have him.”

Tackle Matt Kalil doesn’t consider it a big deal that Peterson is skipping OTAs.

“Obviously, we’d love to have him,” Kalil said. “He’s a great pro, and if he came back I have no doubt he’d be the best running back in the league. But he’s got to handle his stuff. … Everyone knows what he’s capable of. Coming off knee surgery and getting MVP.”

Peterson tore his ACL in December 2011 before returning in 2012 to rush for 2,097 yards and be named league MVP. He played in just one game last season before he was indicted Sept. 12, 2014, in Texas on a felony charge of child abuse.

Peterson, who has admitted hitting his then-4-year-old son with a wooden switch but said he didn’t mean any harm, pleaded no contest last November to misdemeanor reckless assault and was suspended for the final six games of the season by the NFL. Previously, he had missed one game while inactive and eight while on the commissioner’s exempt list.

Follow Chris Tomasson at twitter.com/christomasson.