Here is what Mendenhall had to say via Twitter.
“@AdrianPeterson is correct in his anology of this game. It is a lot deeper than most people understand. Anyone with knowledge of the slave trade and the NFL could say that these two parallel eachother.”
Simply put, they don’t parallel at all.
There is nothing similar to slavery and being a professional athlete. No matter how you try to spin it and no matter how hard you try to make it work, there is one central issue that is crystal clear.
At any time Rashard Mendenhall, Adrian Peterson, or any player in the NFL can simply walk away of their own free will.
No one is forcing them to play football— no one is forcing them to accept the owners money. If they feel like a slave, go home.
Slaves had NO CHOICE and if they tried to make a choice they were TORTURED AND MURDERED. So no Mr. Mendehall, there are zero parallels and for you to even suggest it—this just shows your ignorance.